Based on a true-story, The Soloist details the relationship between LA Times columnist Steve Lopez [Robert Downey Jr.] and homeless musical genius Nathaniel Ayers [Jamie Foxx]. One day Lopez is walking around the street trying to come up with an idea for his next column. He passes by a guy playing a two-stringed violin. The guy’s talent impresses him immediately. Lopez starts chatting with the homeless man [Nathaniel Ayers] who rambles on and mentions that he was once at Julliard. Back at the news room, Lopez confirms this and becomes intrigued how someone who once attended Julliard could end up playing for dollars on the streets of Los Angeles. Lopez starts to seek Ayers out and the two have long discussions and slowly become friends. Ayers drops his wall as Lopez gains his trust. After reading Lopez’s first column, a woman is so moved that she donates the cello that she played for half a century. As always, Downey turns in an immensely captivating performance. His role is that of the intense, scrappy and determined reporter. As Lopez gets to know this musical genius, he becomes less self-centered, a better listener and more patient. Foxx digs deep in his role of the schizophrenic homeless Ayers without turning his performance into a caricature. It is a balancing act that Foxx manages by delving inside to make Ayers empathetic and not pathetic. Screenwriter Susannah Grant has crafted a poignant, uplifting story that shines a light on homelessness in Los Angeles and around the country. Under the gentle, artistry of director Joe Wright [Atonement], The Soloist is a truly memorable film.
Grade: B+
Available on DVD AUGUST 4, 2009
Extra features: commentary by director Joe Wright; discussion with the real Lopez and Ayers; a moving feature on the homeless; a detailed discussion on the making of The Soloist
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