The Soloist (2009)

Life has a mind of its own …

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama, Biography

The verdict: Loved

The gist:  Columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) needs a story.  Just when he’s nearly ready to give up on finding anything of any value, he happens upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) – a homeless man living in LA’s Skid Row, playing a two-stringed violin.   Amidst his stream of consciousness Ayers mentions he attended Juliard – that he’s “had a few setbacks.”  Lopez discovers that Ayers was never trained on the violin, but the bass, that he did, indeed, attend Juliard for a time, that he dropped out due to mental illness.  Finally, he has his story; but over time, he realizes he has much, much more …

My take:  Based on the book by Steve Lopez, The Soloistis a powerful, heartfelt drama that truly does portray the way in which life has a mind of its own.  Joe Wright orchestrates the film with intent.  Much like life, it’s not clean and tidy.   There are times when the creative direction can be a bit distracting – the voices Ayers hears, for instance.  However, it does give a glimpse at what it would be like – and let’s be serious, it would be a little more than distracting.  Susannah Grant (screenwriter) throws in humor every now and again, so the film does not get overly bogged down with drama.  And the actors – Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener (who plays Lopez ex-wife) - offer superb performances.  Perhaps one of the most amazing aspects of the film is the humanity.  The cinematography surrounding the homeless and the destitute is awe inspiring in itself – for amidst the chaos, lies a certain dignity.  It is a story of a story … a story of life’s setbacks … of friendship … of letting go … and coming home. 

An aside:  The Soloist has received mixed reviews – possibly more than usual.  More than likely this is dependent upon two things:  The release date was pushed back, which people view as a very bad sign; and the subject matter is difficult.  We like things clean and tidy; things like homelessness or mental illness we’d rather pretend doesn’t exist, or – like Lopez – we want them fixed.  Railing against these points, however, is a pity – because so much is missed.  The performances truly are Oscar-worthy.   And the story – while it may be difficult at times – is one we should hear.  If you’ve been wondering whether or not to spend your time and money on this film, I would recommend it.