Comparitive Analysis - Does Ray Charles Shine?

Australian film makers beat the bio-pic fad by almost a decade with Scott Hick's Shine (1996). So how does this film rate against the mega blockbuster Ray (Taylor Hackford, 2004). Both films focus on characters who struggle against formidable odds. Ray Charles, obviously was blind, but also fought heroin and alcohol addictions. David Helfgott, suffers a mental breakdown as a young man and is later diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder. Both are talented pianists but encounter trials and tribulations throughout their lives. David in particular, is fighting not only his illness, but memories of his stubborn, selfish, abusive father. Charles, on the other hand, is aided by memories of his insistent mother who inspires him to remain independent despite his handicap.

Interestingly, Ray Charles, as we all know, went onto become one of the most significant recording artists of the 20th century, while David Helfgott, while he still tours worldwide, probably would have lived out his days quietly with his wife, having flown under the radar of most Australians. I believe this point is significant. Australians love(d) this film even though they had probably never heard of Helfgott. He is the un-sung hero, a character who didn't get too successful (I'm referring here to the all too common 'tall poppy' syndrome), a construction that Australians love to identify with. They leave the cinema feeling great, they have seen Helfgott suffer with adversity and triumph, but not too much. (Of course, Scott Hicks, can only create a film in accordance with Helfgott's life, he couldn't fictionalise him becoming one of the world's most recognisable stars; what I'm suggesting is that Helfgott's story resonates because that outcome didn't eventuate).

Anyway. just some thoughts.