Appreciate The Foxx
- Inversed Poet
- Jan 12, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 13, 2021
!!!MINI-SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
The Disney-Pixar film titled Soul stars Jamie Foxx as a school music teacher about to catch his big break and Tina Fey as soul tweety-two (22). "Soul" was written by Pete Docter, the creator of "Inside Out", Kemp Powers ("One Night in Miami"), and Mike Jones. This film brings into question what makes your life meaningful, how could you make better use of your time, and what is your purpose. The film also touches on the concept that there is more to your life besides your passion.
As a Jazz lover and music enthusiast, I knew I had to watch this film but it surprised me in the way that it spoke to me creatively and motivationally. One scene, in particular, is the " Hall of You", this scene involves Joe Gardner getting to see significant events and items from his life.
Some of those include sitting in front of the Tv, on the train, reading a newspaper, and using breathe spray and cheap cologne. This scene as well as the entire theme of the film made me rethink what significant moments I would be proud to leave behind as well as appreciating the small things on my journey to success.
In the "Soul" Movie Review written by Christian Angeles, he captures the full essence of the film with his quote: "Soul is about The struggle with the meanings that we attach to things. How to celebrate it. How to define it. And how to live life waking up every morning convincing ourselves that’s what we’re supposed to be. It’s the idea that creating something of worth is the only way to live a life worth meaning. All the while, absolutely forgetting, neglecting, abandoning, and admonishing, almost every bit of evidence to the contrary. A type of tunnel vision that art is the be-all-end-all.....The greatest thing in the whole wide universe. As a life without passion is a life without meaning...
"It is the lie creatives tell ourselves. That the moment must always take our breath away, rather than accepting the harsh reality, that life mostly consists of the moments spent merely breathing."- Christian Angeles. The complete article is well written and detailed. It captured my attention because his words seemed to be everything I thought the film to be. To view his article Click Here>>>>>
Pixar and Disney never fall short when it comes to films that are personable and make you feel. But this film, makes you reflect; reflect on no one but yourself. I do not think it is a kid's movie. Yes, it is marketed towards kids but this is a message for adults, young adults, and creatives to take a good look at ourselves, appreciate what is, and appreciate what there is to come as well as not getting so consumed with waiting, trying, or rushing to achieve some intense moment of success or being the best at your craft, that you forget to live and remember your passion is only a small part of the great scheme of things.
Everyone has their own journey and takes their own amount of time for it. You can not become so transfixed that you forget everything else that matters, like the sound of someone's voices, your favorite spot to think, having family time, enjoying nature, or other life simplicities.
"Soul" is the type of movie that you watch a couple of times, catch all the fine details, and then watch the interviews, the conversations, and what concepts of life and fulfillment were discussed because it is simply that beautiful and honest. Click the link below to view an interview between Jamie Foxx and Screen Rant. This is not the Offical interview, however, it is worth the watch because it is more personal and it discusses Jamie Foxx's views on the creation of the film, its concepts of life.
!!!BACKGROUND CHECKPOINT!!!
!!!BACKGROUND CHECKPOINT!!!
Happy belated birthday is due for the triple threat, Actor, Musician, and Comedian Eric Marlon Bishop, better known as Jamie Foxx. Foxx has been in several films for 2020 and he continues to do great things on and off the screen. Therefore, it is time to take a look at this actor's impressive film and television collection to show appreciation.
The Terrell, Texas native was born December 13, 1967, and his love for music earned him a scholarship to the U.S International University of San Diego for classical piano and music theory.
One could say that's where he got his start however, Foxx has loved music since he was five years old. A love that is so profound that it can be found in the vast majority of his stand-up, television sitcoms, and movies.
During his college years, Foxx performed at open mic nights with impressions of Mike Tyson, Bill Cosby, and Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. These comedic performances earned Foxx the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition Award of 1991 and landed Foxx an audition for Fox television networks "In Living Color".
When I was growing up, Foxx was widely known for his 2005 Oscar-winning performance as the late legend Ray Charles in the biopic film "Ray" and his role in 1997’s "Booty Call". Little did I know, this was only a small portion of his many accomplishments! As a long-term viewer of Foxx’s musical journey and acting career, I am disappointed that I have not kept up with his drive for success and commitment to his craft!
For example, did you know how busy and focused Foxx was on his career? After "In Living Color" and a recurring role on the sitcom "Roc", Foxx went on to compose and produce his debut album Peep This in 1994. Then in 1996, he landed his own five-season television series "The Jamie Foxx Show" where he starred as the main character on screen and an executive producer offscreen. The show lasted from 1996 to 2001 and one would think this would take up his time but it only fueled his drive.
He went on to film his first feature role in the sex comedy "Booty Call" and a breakthrough performance in 1999’s "Any Given Sunday" Co-starring Al Pacino and Cameron Diaz.
On January 14 of 2001, the Jamie Foxx show aired its last episode and in the same year, Foxx starred in the biopic film "Ali" starring Will Smith. Jump to 2004-2005 and it looks like Foxx is on Fire!! He films both "Ray" and "Collateral" starring Tom Cruise in 2004. In 2005, He earns not one, not two, but three Awards for his work in the biographical film "Ray" including Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in Leading Role, and a Golden Globe Award.
AND HE DOESN’T STOP THERE!!! He releases his second album, Unpredictable, which debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 List then rises to No.1 in the following week. This album went double Platinum, charted on the UK Album Chart, and made Foxx the fourth artist ever to win an Academy Award for acting AND have a No. 1 Album in the United States. The Other three to achieve such a monumental award include the musical legend Frank Sinatra, the iconic Barbara Streisand, and the influential Media Star Bing Crosby.
Also in 2005, Foxx featured on Kanye West’s hit single “Gold Digger” and starred in the film "Jarhead". In 2006, Foxx starred alongside Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé, and Mike Epps in "Dream Girls".
Since that time, Mr. Jamie Foxx has been in a plethora of films over the years, and at his current rate, it does not look like he is going to stop.
Other Noteworthy performances and my favorites by Mr. Foxx can be seen in the movie "Django Unchained" (2012), 2016s "Anne", "White House Down" (2013), "Just Mercy" (2019), and his voice acting in both "Rio" and "Rio 2". To view a list of all Jamie Foxx past, present, and future performances Click HERE>>>>>.
What films do you like best by Jamie Foxx and why? Which one or ones do you like the least? Hit that like button and comment your answers below.
As always Thanks for reading!
Keep Open Ears, Eyes, & Mind,
"Till Next Time!
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