Character actors are always drawn to unique and challenging roles, and sometimes the movie that incorporates that character is weak but they take the role anyway. Thankfully, this film has two great characters being played to the hilt with stunning precision by two of the better actors working today immersed in a compelling story of friendship and redemption. If you are engrossed by the story as well, be sure to check out the real tale from Author Steve Lopez in the book of the same name and the DVD features which show the two principle characters in real life.
The movie follows Mr. Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) as a journalist for a L.A. newspaper who is trying to find a compelling story to write to keep himself from doing busy work handed down by his boss (Catherine Keener). He stumbles upon a bum (Jamie Foxx) playing a violin with just two strings, and after a strained conversation of stream of consciousness nonsense Steve learns that he may actually be a one time Julliard student rotting away on the street. His story about this bum named Nathaniel Ayers quickly becomes a hit story and now Steve must walk a difficult line between helping his new friend and exploiting/exploring his issues in print.
The film hinges on the two star turns and they never let you down. Jamie Foxx inspires feelings of great pity, awe, and at times fear as we see a man whose mind is broken and unpredictable yet unbelievably gifted. Robert Downey Jr. takes his role which would typically be a device to bring the action back to Foxx and adds nuance and depth to make the story compelling on both fronts. Director Joe Wright who is typically knee deep in English period pieces skillfully captures the grime of Skid Row in downtown LA and pushes his stars into surefire Oscar consideration. Although, I loathed his corny MP3 visualizer effect during one musical moment that felt like a silly outdated attempt at helping us understand how geniuses see music.
I recommend the film for at least a rental and the DVD content makes it worth getting the physical disc and not just using an On Demand type service to watch the feature alone.
Special Features
Commentary by Director Joe Wright
An Unlikely Friendship – The Making of The Soloist
Kindness, Courtesy, and Respect: The Real Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez
One Size Does Not Fit All: Addressing Homelessness in Los Angeles
Deleted Scenes
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