IMDb > The Soloist (2009)
The Soloist
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The Soloist (2009) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 77 | slideshow) Videos (see all 30)
The Soloist (2009) -- This is the theatrical trailer for The Soloist, directed by Joe Wright and starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.
The Soloist (2009) -- This is a clip from the movie The Soloist.
The Soloist (2009) -- Interview: Lisa Gay Hamilton "On the pride she feels being involved with the film"
The Soloist (2009) -- A Los Angeles Journalist, befriends a homeless Julliard trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper.
The Soloist (2009) -- Trailer: #1

Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   9,364 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 1% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Susannah Grant (screenplay)
Steve Lopez (book)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Soloist on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 April 2009 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Life has a mind of its own more
Plot:
A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Julliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper. full summary | full synopsis
NewsDesk:
(317 articles)
‘Eat, Pray, Love’ gets Dario Marianelli score
 (From MovieScore Magazine. 28 November 2009, 1:48 AM, PST)

Joe Wright to Tackle Action With 'Hanna'
 (From Cinematical. 17 November 2009, 3:15 PM, PST)

User Comments:
A True Story About Urban Homelessness more (92 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Jamie Foxx ... Nathaniel Ayers

Robert Downey Jr. ... Steve Lopez

Catherine Keener ... Mary Weston

Tom Hollander ... Graham Claydon

Lisa Gay Hamilton ... Jennifer Ayers (as Lisagay Hamilton)

Nelsan Ellis ... David Carter

Rachael Harris ... Leslie Bloom

Stephen Root ... Curt Reynolds
Lorraine Toussaint ... Flo Ayers

Justin Martin ... Young Nathaniel
Kokayi Ampah ... Bernie Carpenter

Patrick Tatten ... Paul Jr.

Susane Lee ... Marisa (as Susane E. Lee)

Marcos De Silvas ... Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Ilia Volok ... Harry Barnoff
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Imagining Beethoven (USA) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.
Runtime:
117 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (DeLuxe)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The film makers shot on "skid row" in Los Angeles, which is known for being home to one of the largest stable populations of transient persons (homeless) in the United States. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Lopez pulls over in the tunnel after spotting Ayers, his car blocks the right lane. In subsequent shots, cars are seen in the background cruising through that very same lane, one even merges into it, even though Lopez's car is blocking it just a few yards ahead. more
Quotes:
Steve Lopez: 'Points West' by Steve Lopez. A year ago, I met a man who was down on his luck and thought I might be able to help him. I don't know that I have. Yes, my friend Mr. Ayers now sleeps inside. He has a key. He has a bed. But his mental state, and his well-being... more
Movie Connections:
References Fantasia (1940) more

FAQ

Is "The Soloist" based on a book?
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
more
54 out of 70 people found the following comment useful.
A True Story About Urban Homelessness, 24 April 2009
7/10
Author: Lechuguilla from Dallas, Texas

What makes this film watchable is that it is based on a true story. A caring Los Angeles reporter named Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr.) tries to help a homeless man named Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx).

Ayers suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. But he once attended Julliard, and he still lives and breathes the music of Beethoven. Ayers, with his shopping cart of possessions, walks the streets, playing his violin amid the noise of the freeway. He's content, in his own world.

That unusual behavior grabs the attention of Lopez, no doubt as a human interest story for his own column. But as Lopez gradually becomes more genuinely concerned about Ayers, their relationship encounters frustration, anger, and emotional pain.

It's a poignant, gritty story, full of realism. The film manages to be compassionate without being patronizing. The film does a terrific job in portraying the harsh, depressing reality of the boarders who live at a large shelter where Ayers goes, at the insistence of Lopez.

Technical elements of the film are good. The visuals are thematically impressive. Production design and costumes are detailed and realistic. Acting is credible. Robert Downey, Jr. gives a fine performance.

The main problem is the plot. Too much time is spent on Lopez and his trivialities. Somehow, the compelling Ayers story morphs into a weighty examination of Lopez and his distress in dealing with Ayers. The script is to blame here. I think if the main character had been Ayers, instead of Lopez, the film could have been quite inspiring.

Even so, the film clearly calls attention to the plight of the urban homeless. As such, the film deserves viewer support.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Soloist (2009)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Suffering from cinematography and art direction artemis00
60 minutes piece on this misterthumb
One of the worst performances of 2009. brettjm3
movie with best depiction of schizophrenia? eamo-1
what's the name... reika-3
ahhhh, so what happened? bono_vox_is_god
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