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Title: The Soloist (2009)
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See how director Joe Wright uses his signature tracking shots to set up a visual narrative for his films, including Atonement, The Soloist, and Hanna.
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jamie Foxx | ... | Nathaniel Ayers | |
| Robert Downey Jr. | ... | Steve Lopez | |
| Catherine Keener | ... | Mary Weston | |
| Tom Hollander | ... | Graham Claydon | |
| LisaGay 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 Villaraigosa | |
| Ilia Volok | ... | Harry Barnoff | |
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)
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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.