Starring: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener
Rated:PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language
(This review originally appeared on my personal website as well as on facebook.)
Joe Wright’s film adaptation of The Soloist, the true story of how Steve Lopez befriended Nathaniel Ayers Jr., a former Julliard student who became homeless, is nothing less than a triumph of filmmaking. Typical with his other films, Wright seems to capture the themes and emotions of the story more so than the details and specifics of the story. With The Soloist, Wright’s material is rather limited; it is a true story, and doesn’t boast the cinematic qualities that other stories seem to posses. However, Wright plays this issue as a strength, running with the authentically real and subtle power the story can conjure.
Unlike the true story, Lopez (played by Robert Downey Jr., who is back in his true indy form) is a tight-fisted writer, constantly looking for his next story. While his professional life seemingly is successful, Lopez is a train wreck personally, an embittered, divorced man, who seemingly spends his time away from the office in his lonely home. Upon meeting Mr. Ayers, and initially treating him simply as the subject of his next story, Lopez is surprised to by how Ayer’s music seems to free him from his troubles, problems and even living conditions. Music, to Ayers, is the only stability in his crazy and twisted life. This is what draws Lopez to help and befriend Ayers: a desire to make these fleeting seconds a reality. Along the way, Lopez realizes that by embracing humanity as people with value not only betters the lives of others, but his own, as well.
This is the true strength of The Soloist; like Lopez, we are seemingly unaware of our connection and involvement in the story until, again like Lopez, we find ourselves moved and connected with Ayer’s journey. This comes, not only from the powerful script and direction, but from the fine performance of Downey Jr., and the Oscar-worthy performance of Jamie Foxx, who is back in Ray-like form. Foxx transcends Ayers, a man of many quirks, to still being someone we want to emotionally invest in. The artistic brilliance of Joe Wright also added a lot to the story; his bird flythrough LA and musical light show both completely captured the feelings and emotions that he was trying to capture, and the cinematography (especially the final shot of the movie) is as splendid as they come, and the sound work (especially with music and absence of music) is nearly flawless.
Despite it’s many strengths, The Soloist is plagued by a few flaws; the flashback scenes didn’t seem to work for me because, no offense to Mr. Ayers’ life, but I felt it wasn’t necessary and slowed down the film. (Every time it cut to his past, I felt myself thinking “No, go back!”) Another issue was the not-so subtle jab at Christianity by the slightly buffoonish Cello instructor who tells Ayers to simply “pray” in order to overcome his nervousness. I myself cringed at insensitivity of the instructor, and I believe that I heard some audible groans from members of the audience. Not the way I wanted Christianity portrayed.
But maybe Wright’s issue wasn’t as much focused on Christianity’s supposed inabilities as it was on Nathaniel’s need. Sure, I have issues with depicting Christianity as something unable to deal with ones problems, but like medication, psychiatric doctors, and even Steve Lopez, himself, it is made clear that Nathaniel doesn’t need a cure, but a relationship. And, those who see Christianity as some medicine you take during the tough times rather than a relationship do have a wrong and ignorant of Christianity’s true message. Also, The Soloist is littered with interesting spiritual content, like the conversation (and misinterpretation) of grace, as well as the neon sign that glows the first line of Romans 6:23 over Skid Row, the filthiest street of LA. Wright even takes an more potent (and random) jab at Atheism, where Lopez seemingly mocks an Atheist to his face… Perhaps unloving, but rather funny.
Overall, The Soloist is a beautiful work that captures the difficulties of the homeless, the emptiness of loneliness, the power of music, and the redemptive qualities of relationships. Despite its existential world view, The Soloist seems to connect with proper values. And, its subtle realism and power leave you, not with a sense of happiness or fulfillment, but definite sense of hope and compassion.
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