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The Soloist (2009) 6.6
Ratings:
6.6/10 from 32,258 users
Metascore: 61/100
Reviews: 128 user | 207 critic | 33 from Metacritic.com A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Juilliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper. Director:Joe Wright |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jamie Foxx | ... | ||
| Robert Downey Jr. | ... | ||
| Catherine Keener | ... | ||
| Tom Hollander | ... |
Graham Claydon
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| LisaGay Hamilton | ... |
Jennifer Ayers
(as Lisagay Hamilton)
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| Nelsan Ellis | ... |
David Carter
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| Rachael Harris | ... |
Leslie Bloom
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| Stephen Root | ... |
Curt Reynolds
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| Lorraine Toussaint | ... |
Flo Ayers
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| Justin Martin | ... |
Young Nathaniel
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| Kokayi Ampah | ... |
Bernie Carpenter
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| Patrick Tatten | ... |
Paul Jr.
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| Susane Lee | ... |
Marisa
(as Susane E. Lee)
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| Marcos De Silvas | ... |
Mayor Villaraigosa
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| Ilia Volok | ... |
Harry Barnoff
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez's good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers' personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
Taglines:
Life has a mind of its own See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
24 April 2009 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Imagining Beethoven See more »Filming Locations:
Biltmore Hotel - 506 S. Grand Avenue, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Box Office
Budget:
$60,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£373,151 (UK) (25 September 2009)Gross:
£1,060,061 (UK) (9 October 2009)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (DeLuxe)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Written by Ludwig van Beethoven
Adapted by Dario Marianelli
Performed by The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Benjamin Wallfisch
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
As of April 2009, Nathaniel Ayers "has a girlfriend and is doing reasonably well" according to Steve Lopez. He has also taught himself to play the flute. See more »Goofs
A utility truck is seen in the tunnel when Lopez and Nathaniel are talking. The utility truck was not there before Lopez stopped his car. See 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, are as precarious now as they were the day we met. There are people who tell me I've helped him. Mental health experts who say that the simple act of being someone's friend can change his brain chemistry, improve his functioning in the ...See more »
Crazy Credits
At the end of the credits, the music concludes with the sound of a cassette tape grinding to a stop, referencing Lopez's omnipresent recorder. See more »Soundtracks
"Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), Op. 55, Mvmt. I, II and III"Written by Ludwig van Beethoven
Adapted by Dario Marianelli
Performed by The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Benjamin Wallfisch
See more »
First off, I should say that I am personally familiar with this story, having worked in downtown L.A. for the last 19 years and seeing Mr Ayers and his cello many a time around 3rd and Hill Sts. I've also read Lopez's columns in the Times for years and followed this one with interest and satisfaction. Making a film about a tale like this restores my belief in Hollywood beyond the mindless bunk it churns out year after year.
Downey Jr and Foxx play a newspaper columnist and homeless man who come together in a most unusual way. Downey is a newspaper columnist looking for something original and interesting to write about. He finds it when he sees Foxx beautifully playing battered stringed instruments along 3rd street in downtown L.A. Foxx has been there for years but on this day grabs the eye of the columnist because the columnist himself is experiencing hardship and doubt related to his own position. He begins to write about this talented but troubled man who fills the stinky air around him with harmony. They become friends but keep in mind this is not fiction. The friendship hits many bumps that continue to this day. Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx's character) may be a brilliant, educated musician, but he suffers from bouts of schizophrenia that manifest at any time. Downey's character accepts this as it adds more intrigue to his columns. Then he accepts it on a personal level. Their friendship ultimately becomes real and meaningful. You sense that Downey's character needs the friendship even more than Foxx's homeless man does. In the end, Downey's Lopez can see the positive effect his work has brought to the plight of the homeless, yet he wonders personally how much better he has made Nathaniel...? His reflections make us think also.
Downey Jr and Foxx play their characters to near perfection and the film masterfully takes its time in developing the relationship between the two. Great to see director Joe Wright telling a contemporary tale just as effectively as he has in previous works. The film makes us wonder how many other Nathaniel Ayers are lurking out there on the streets? Life being what it is, of course we will never know. The beauty of the film is that is shows what can happen when just one Nathaniel Ayers is found after being lost for so many years. There's no sugarcoating; Ayers doesn't magically get better and rejoin mainstream society. Instead, the mainstream accepts him for what he is and what he offers and begins integrating him as best it can. This film will certainly pop up at award time next year.