The Soloist

2009 "Life has a mind of its own"
6.7| 1h49m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 24 April 2009 Released
Producted By: DreamWorks Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.soloistmovie.com
Synopsis

A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Juilliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper.

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Reviews

Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!
Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.
Janae Milner Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.
Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
blanche-2 "The Soloist" from 2009 is based on a true story and stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. An LA Times columnist, Steve Lopez (Downey), is in need of a story in 2005, shortly after smashing his face up in a bicycle accident. One day he discovers Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx), a homeless man who plays the violin. Steve decides he would make a good story.As he writes his articles, Lopez learns more about Ayers. He has a sister who loves him (LisaGay Hamilton) and is concerned about him; his original instrument was the cello. The stories bring all kinds of attention to the problem of homelessness, to Lopez himself, and to the gifted Ayers, and a cello is actually donated to him. He loves to play his music in the tunnels, doesn't like to be inside, and idolizes Beethoven. In flashbacks, we see bits of his life which appear to be a loving mother and no father, and we see a truck on fire, which was part of his trauma.Nathaniel's plight does a lot for Steve Lopez, and though he is someone who shies away from commitment, he wants to help him. But in reaching out, he experiences the hurt and pain that often comes from dealing with the mentally ill, in this case, schizophrenia.The film asks a few questions: can a person who refuses medication be forced to take it; does every homeless person want to be in a home; and why in such a rich country do we have so many homeless (90,000 in Los Angeles as of 2009).Lopez works to understand the talented Nathaniel, and Nathaniel begins to see him as a true friend. Both are needy people and not particularly trusting. But true freedom comes in facing one's demons.Wonderful film about courage and understanding.
Zakir Shikhli I will describe this movie shortly. I watched it just now it touched me so much. I think this movie should have higher IMDb rating and should get at least one Oscar for Best movie. Pro's and Con's by my opinion. Pro's: Realistic scenario, Realistic characters, Good actor work, Good ending. Con's: Only one - Too often close shot shows the main characters. Recommend to everyone for watching it at least once. It can be watched with family too. __I really don't have to say more than it, to fill the review until 10 lines, regarding to the guidelines, so beginning to write these lines. I think, every review must be moderated and published, not only ones, which are larger than 10 lines. Now You can ban me, I don't care :) P.S. Sorry for bad English.
Tarek Saazeb Now this! This is how you make a documentary. Amazing film, from start to finish. Robert Downy Jr. has played quite a few remarkable roles in his career and so as Jamie Foxx. But there are a few moments in this movie that made them outstanding whatsoever as actors. I for one, never really was into Jamie but after watching this movie, I'm thinking otherwise.My review is as follows:* Casting = Brilliant * Cinematography = Amazeballs * Story = True story hence 10/10 *Acting = Everyone was exceptionally good, especially the center characters. Hats off to RDJ and Jamie.May one's love for good music stays forever. A must watch for everybody.
ramsri007 'The Soloist' is one of those movies that pieces you together. I came across this title on reading Robert Downey Jr's biography. This is one of his most sincere portrayals. This is based on a book written by Steve Lopez. Downey plays Steve Lopez. The chemistry between Downey & Foxx is mystical. Both come together in the most unusual way. The movie explores one of the most debated topic; does a mentally ill person need medications to get better, is love and emotional support not way more powerful? Both characters feed off each other's friendship, making each a better person. The film puts forth a pertinent question; how many other Nathaniel Ayers lurk around, clueless and lost? Life is unpredictable. We may never truly know the answer to this question. However this movie is all about a gem found after being hidden for ever so long. This is by no means a fairy tale movie. Ayers does not get better in a jiffy. However his find, road to recovery & his attempt to refit into the society, not just helps him but Lopez too. Worth a watch. Does your heart a great good! :)