Although Jamie Foxx's performance in 'The Soloist' is worth the ticket price, the film fails to leave audiences with a satisfying ending.
Directed by Joe Wright ('Atonement') and also starring Lisa Gay Hamilton, 'Soloist' is simply another version of the clichéd films we've seen before.
Based on a true story, Robert Downey Jr. plays Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times columnist who gets into a horrific bike accident that almost leaves his face scarred. While walking through the park, he comes across a homeless man playing beautiful music on a violin. After a few more run-ins, Lopez discovers that the violinist, Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, was once a gifted musician who dropped out of Juilliard.
Ayers began losing his mind as a young adult and subsequently left home to live in the streets. With his editor's backing, Lopez starts helps him by writing stories about his remarkable talent in the paper. Readers donate gifts and help in his recovery.
The problem with the film is that Ayers is not always on the same page as everyone else. At times, he's alert to what's happening in his life and others, he stills hears demons in his head and loses focus on reality. When Lopez tries to get medical help for him, Ayers gets confused.
If you are a movie buff, you've probably seen similar films like this in 'Awakenings' with Robert De Niro and 'Shine' with Geoffrey Rush. Downey is very effective in his role. In fact, his character is only one who has any range. Foxx has got the looks and mannerisms of a mentally challenged homeless man, but director Joe Wright doesn't give him any breathing room to change. It's a one-note role all the way, which leaves little for surprises.
April 2009
