Movie Review - 'The Soloist'

The Soloist Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, and Catherine Keener Directed by Joe Wright Rated PG-13

Journalist Steve Lopez had a chance encounter with homeless street musician Nathaniel Ayers and decided to investigate the man's claims that he went to Julliard. It seemed like a stretch, this man pushing shopping carts loaded with garbage, playing a two-stringed violin, and sleeping in parks used to study at the country's top school for young talent. But much to his surprise and delight, Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr.) discovered that Ayers (Jamie Foxx) had been a student at Julliard, about 35 years earlier. But why did he leave the prestigious academy before he graduated, and how did he wind up here among the 90,000 homeless in Los Angeles? Lopez began to write articles about Ayers for The Los Angeles Times, which grew in popularity, prompted a book, and now, this film. The Soloist is the story of friendship despite overwhelming odds. I never got the sense that Lopez took pity on Ayers, but instead was concerned about a man who sparked his curiosity at first, subsequently left him in awe with his talent, and ultimately became an integral part of his own life. Ayers suffers from schizophrenia, and he had a major breakdown while at Julliard. We don't see his stint in a mental institution, but that's probably not important because his is as much about Lopez as Ayers. Unfortunately, that's not the kind of climactic punch audiences rush out to see. So even though The Soloist is a quality film with good performances, it may come across as meandering and slow because Ayers isn't cured of something incurable. However, in this case, audiences may have a minor point: If the end of the story isn't that powerful, then what does that say about the rest of it? Does it even warrant a movie? That's why the film has to be as much about Lopez. He's the character who grows the most and learns the most through this experience, and maybe writer Susannah Grant and director Joe Wright (Atonement) could have given us ten extra minutes with Robert Downey to see where his Steve Lopez is mentally and emotionally at the end of the journey. Downey is effective, although he's such an intriguing actor when left to his own devices, he does seem kind of saddled and bridled here. Foxx is really good, though, in a role that could go too far the other way because mental illness is so difficult to convey appropriately and realistically.

Comments

[SEAN]

I havent seen the film yet I will this weekend but Wow only 3/5 I was expecting a definite 4 from you Colin..

But let me ask you this .

Does Jamie Foxx have a chance at an Oscar nod????? What do you think Colin?

[SEAN]

Colin you gotta give me a answer dude....

What do you think , Will Jamie Foxx have a Oscar nod?

[Nomad]

I just found out that, on top of everything else, Jamie Foxx has also won a couple of Grammys for his R&B album... that guy must be busy

[Kid In The Front Row]

I'm really looking forward to this film, it'd better live up to (my) expectations!

[gene t]

want to know more about the extrs cast the cat lady mr kk ( SORRY FOR THE LOST) and miss yerri "detroit" hughes where can i become a fan of detroit she looks great and can dance too

[gene t]

want to know more about the extras the cat lady mr kk ( SORRY FOR THE LOST) and miss terri "detroit" hughes where can i become a fan of detroit she looks great and can dance too! is she really from skid row and is she going to more movies or tv we want more

[a miracle]

I heard that the women in the movie terresa , vivian terresa george a schizophrenic mother had a mental break down in 2005 she called 911 for cps to find a safe home for her kids. And because

of her role in the soloist in may of 2011 the state of california awarded her custody of her kids! THAT IS THE MIRACLE OF THE MAKING OF THE SOLOIST! ... JIL

[a miracle]

There is news that the schizophrenic mother from the movie the soloist Vivian terresa George is working with a hollywood celebrity to publish a book about her life.