A compelling, performance-driven movie that takes aspects of classical music, homelessness, and mental illness, and shakes them up on the mean streets of LA.
From director Joe Wright, The Soloist is based on a true story about a writer for an LA newspaper who encounters an extraordinarily talented homeless man, and the two become friends. Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of Steve Lopez, a journalist for the L.A. Times, whose life is chaotically unfulfilling. One day, while attending a lead for a story, Steve finds himself in conversation with a rambling homeless man in front of a statue of Ludwig Van Beethoven. The bum is called Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Fox), and he carries with him a shopping trolley full of possessions, including a violin with only two strings, which Nathaniel can play expertly. Ayers, while musically gifted, is also suffering from schizophrenia, which causes him to be incoherent and distracted.
Lopez decides to write a human interest piece about Ayers, and it strikes a chord with the readers. Afterwards, the journalist finds it hard to detach himself from Ayers, and continues a fragile friendship with the prodigy. He learns that Ayers can play more than just the violin, and that he attended Julliard (a prestigious musical college). As Lopez continues to learn more about Ayers, he becomes concerned that he is getting too close to the vulnerable homeless man.
A poignant story that entwines some excellent plot lines. The juxtaposition of classical music with extreme poverty is superb, and the eclectic setting of Los Angeles is an urban delight. At this story's core, however, is a relationship between two characters who need something from someone else. Ayers needs a friend, and Lopez needs something to care for. They are difficult characters to portray, however, Fox and Downey Jr. are outstanding, giving an instant connection with the audience. The subtle cracks in the relationship are displayed with a tender professionalism that could only come from seasoned actors.
Criticism of this film lies in the editing. While the connection between schizophrenia and the way the film is shot is appreciated, it does distance the viewer from the story. It can be hard to follow in places, and the voices in people's heads gets a bit distracting after a while. There are, however, some excellent sequences where the two main characters bond, and one scene where music is played over some brilliant colour graphics that is very engaging.
A worthwhile film, that would have amounted to more had the story been more coherent. Aspects of both character's backgrounds go unexplored, however, the heart of the film is there. And it beats like drum.
From director Joe Wright, The Soloist is based on a true story about a writer for an LA newspaper who encounters an extraordinarily talented homeless man, and the two become friends. Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of Steve Lopez, a journalist for the L.A. Times, whose life is chaotically unfulfilling. One day, while attending a lead for a story, Steve finds himself in conversation with a rambling homeless man in front of a statue of Ludwig Van Beethoven. The bum is called Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Fox), and he carries with him a shopping trolley full of possessions, including a violin with only two strings, which Nathaniel can play expertly. Ayers, while musically gifted, is also suffering from schizophrenia, which causes him to be incoherent and distracted.
Lopez decides to write a human interest piece about Ayers, and it strikes a chord with the readers. Afterwards, the journalist finds it hard to detach himself from Ayers, and continues a fragile friendship with the prodigy. He learns that Ayers can play more than just the violin, and that he attended Julliard (a prestigious musical college). As Lopez continues to learn more about Ayers, he becomes concerned that he is getting too close to the vulnerable homeless man.
A poignant story that entwines some excellent plot lines. The juxtaposition of classical music with extreme poverty is superb, and the eclectic setting of Los Angeles is an urban delight. At this story's core, however, is a relationship between two characters who need something from someone else. Ayers needs a friend, and Lopez needs something to care for. They are difficult characters to portray, however, Fox and Downey Jr. are outstanding, giving an instant connection with the audience. The subtle cracks in the relationship are displayed with a tender professionalism that could only come from seasoned actors.
Criticism of this film lies in the editing. While the connection between schizophrenia and the way the film is shot is appreciated, it does distance the viewer from the story. It can be hard to follow in places, and the voices in people's heads gets a bit distracting after a while. There are, however, some excellent sequences where the two main characters bond, and one scene where music is played over some brilliant colour graphics that is very engaging.
A worthwhile film, that would have amounted to more had the story been more coherent. Aspects of both character's backgrounds go unexplored, however, the heart of the film is there. And it beats like drum.
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