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The Soloist (2009)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
24 April 2009 (USA)
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Tagline:
Life has a mind of its own more
Plot:
A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Julliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
NewsDesk:
(316 articles)
Joe Wright to Tackle Action With 'Hanna'
(From Cinematical. 17 November 2009, 3:15 PM, PST)
Wright directs Hanna
(From JoBlo. 17 November 2009, 3:20 AM, PST)
(From Cinematical. 17 November 2009, 3:15 PM, PST)
Wright directs Hanna
(From JoBlo. 17 November 2009, 3:20 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Uplifting: Finding a Golden Needle in the Haystack of Urban Blight
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Jamie Foxx | ... | Nathaniel Ayers | |
| Robert Downey Jr. | ... | Steve Lopez | |
| Catherine Keener | ... | Mary Weston | |
| Tom Hollander | ... | Graham Claydon | |
| Lisa Gay Hamilton | ... | Jennifer Ayers (as Lisagay Hamilton) | |
| Nelsan Ellis | ... | David Carter | |
| Rachael Harris | ... | Leslie Bloom | |
| Stephen Root | ... | Curt Reynolds | |
| Lorraine Toussaint | ... | Flo Ayers | |
| Justin Martin | ... | Young Nathaniel | |
| Kokayi Ampah | ... | Bernie Carpenter | |
| Patrick Tatten | ... | Paul Jr. | |
| Susane Lee | ... | Marisa (as Susane E. Lee) | |
| Marcos De Silvas | ... | Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa | |
| Ilia Volok | ... | Harry Barnoff |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Imagining Beethoven (USA) (working title)
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MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
117 min
Language:
Color:
Color (DeLuxe)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Australia:M |
USA:PG-13 (certificate #44923) |
Netherlands:12 |
South Korea:12 |
Ireland:12A |
Singapore:PG |
Portugal:M/12 (Qualidade) |
UK:12A |
Finland:K-11 |
Argentina:13 |
Brazil:12
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The film makers shot on "skid row" in Los Angeles, which is known for being home to one of the largest stable populations of transient persons (homeless) in the United States.
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Goofs:
Continuity: When Lopez pulls over in the tunnel after spotting Ayers, his car blocks the right lane. In subsequent shots, cars are seen in the background cruising through that very same lane, one even merges into it, even though Lopez's car is blocking it just a few yards ahead.
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Quotes:
Steve Lopez:
I've never loved anything the way he loves music.
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Movie Connections:
Featured in 81st Annual Academy Awards (2009) (TV)
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FAQ
Is "The Soloist" based on a book?What is the classical piece playing during the trailer?
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
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First off, I should say that I am personally familiar with this story, having worked in downtown L.A. for the last 19 years and seeing Mr Ayers and his cello many a time around 3rd and Hill Sts. I've also read Lopez's columns in the Times for years and followed this one with interest and satisfaction. Making a film about a tale like this restores my belief in Hollywood beyond the mindless bunk it churns out year after year.
Downey Jr and Foxx play a newspaper columnist and homeless man who come together in a most unusual way. Downey is a newspaper columnist looking for something original and interesting to write about. He finds it when he sees Foxx beautifully playing battered stringed instruments along 3rd street in downtown L.A. Foxx has been there for years but on this day grabs the eye of the columnist because the columnist himself is experiencing hardship and doubt related to his own position. He begins to write about this talented but troubled man who fills the stinky air around him with harmony. They become friends but keep in mind this is not fiction. The friendship hits many bumps that continue to this day. Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx's character) may be a brilliant, educated musician, but he suffers from bouts of schizophrenia that manifest at any time. Downey's character accepts this as it adds more intrigue to his columns. Then he accepts it on a personal level. Their friendship ultimately becomes real and meaningful. You sense that Downey's character needs the friendship even more than Foxx's homeless man does. In the end, Downey's Lopez can see the positive effect his work has brought to the plight of the homeless, yet he wonders personally how much better he has made Nathaniel...? His reflections make us think also.
Downey Jr and Foxx play their characters to near perfection and the film masterfully takes its time in developing the relationship between the two. Great to see director Joe Wright telling a contemporary tale just as effectively as he has in previous works. The film makes us wonder how many other Nathaniel Ayers are lurking out there on the streets? Life being what it is, of course we will never know. The beauty of the film is that is shows what can happen when just one Nathaniel Ayers is found after being lost for so many years. There's no sugarcoating; Ayers doesn't magically get better and rejoin mainstream society. Instead, the mainstream accepts him for what he is and what he offers and begins integrating him as best it can. This film will certainly pop up at award time next year.