Movie Review: The Soloist
“The Soloist” is the moving true story of a musically talented homeless man befriended by a reporter. What could have easily turned into a sentimental movie has been crafted into a deep study of the formation of a relationship between the reporter and the schizophrenic homeless man, in the process providing a devastating view into the homeless issue in our country.
The lead performances by Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. are very good here, especially by Foxx as Ayers. I was a social activities supervisor for many years in nursing homes and was fortunate enough to work with two outpatients with schizophrenia from a nearby program who volunteered to help me with activities for the elderly. My volunteers told me about the voices they experienced, the feelings of being overwhelmed around people and the out of control feelings they felt when off their medication. This depiction of schizophrenia from my experience is right on target and very realistic, with Jamie Foxx hitting the mark on this difficult performance.
The direction is solid and the screenplay is well written. The camera effects showing the view of Ayers’ schizophrenic mind works well. The screenplay is adapted from the book by LA Times reporter Steve Lopez. I think the screenplay would have been better served by giving more screen time to Nathaniel Ayers’ character. An added bonus of the movie is the use of homeless clients as extras while filmed at the real LAMPS building in L.A. There are a few moments in the DVD extras where you get to see the real Lopez and Ayers answering questions for the movie. Their bond is palpable through the screen and heartfelt.
I had heard there were some unenthusiastic reviews for this movie which is unfortunate since I think this is a good film. This is a true character study into two men’s journey through mental illness; nothing about the story is neatly tied up or beautified for viewers. Take the movie for what it is: a true story of two friends. You may come away with a better appreciation of life and some true inspiration.
2009. Directed by Joe Wright. Starring Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Catherine Keener, Lisa Gay Hamilton and Justin Martin.
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