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

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Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   8,829 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 11% 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:
(316 articles)
Joe Wright to Tackle Action With 'Hanna'
 (From Cinematical. 17 November 2009, 3:15 PM, PST)

Wright directs Hanna
 (From JoBlo. 17 November 2009, 3:20 AM, PST)

User Comments:
A solid drama on a human scale more (91 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:
This is the second time Robert Downey Jr. has portrayed a real-life reporter. He previously portrayed San Francisco Chronicle reporter Paul Avery in Zodiac (2007/I). more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Lopez leaves the Lamp facility after waiting for Ayers, he gets into his Saab and sees a prostitute walk in front of his car towards some people. She is seen clearly because of the reflection of his car headlights. When the scene changes back to the car, the headlights are not on. more
Quotes:
Steve Lopez: I've never loved anything the way he loves music. more
Movie Connections:
Featured in 81st Annual Academy Awards (2009) (TV) more

FAQ

Who is Nathaniel Anthony Ayers?
What is the classical piece playing during the trailer?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
more
30 out of 37 people found the following comment useful.
A solid drama on a human scale, 28 April 2009
8/10
Author: Malcolm Taylor from Toronto, Canada

After catching snippets of the lackluster reviews (two-stars in the Globe and Mail) I was dis-heartened. It's been a few months since I'd been moved by the trailer. However, the film never came out. I thought it might have been shelved.

I was glad to see it was indeed playing. In spite of the reviews, I persevered on the strength of the trailer. It seemed to me there was too much talent and pedigree involved for it to actually suck. And you know what? it's a terrific film with a poignant story. Perhaps lower expectations propped up my perceptions of it, however, it still stands as time well spent.

The film is based on a true story involving a top columnist at the LA Times, Steve Lopez, played with grace by Robert Downey Jr., who becomes invested in one of his more colourful subjects, Nathaniel Ayers, an accomplished musician overcome by mental illness, now living on the streets of LA portrayed by Jamie Foxx, who rambles his way to a convincing performance.

The film is a satisfying adult drama that doesn't lose it's direction. It doesn't pander to it's audience. There is no random violence, no guns, but indeed simply good story telling with great characterizations. It's a decent film that deserves better treatment in the press. It has a noble heart that succeeds in telling a great human story.

It resonates and strikes a chord.

Was the above comment useful to you?
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One of the worst performances of 2009. brettjm3
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ahhhh, so what happened? bono_vox_is_god
READ THE BOOK Mobutsky
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