At the Movies with Fatwayne

The movie is based on events that occurred in the life of newspaper columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr.) and his chance encounter with a mentally unbalanced street person, Nathanial Ayers (Jamie Foxx). As is usually the case for Steve, he is searching at the last minute for a subject to write his article about. He happens upon a schizophrenic musician who lives on the streets of skid row in Los Angeles. Nathaniel is playing a dilapidated violin which has only two strings, but he is playing it beautifully. Steve becomes even more intrigued when this man, Nathaniel, tells him he received formal training at Julliard. How did a talented musician with such an education wind up living on the streets of L.A.?

The more Steve investigates Nathaniel’s situation the more he becomes attached to him and ultimately decides to help him climb out of his predicament. Nathaniel is certainly unbalanced and although he can verbalize his thoughts, they are completely random and unpredictable. Lopez becomes frustrated by all of this even though he is regarded as a “god” by Nathaniel.

After writing several follow up articles about Ayers, people become interested and try to help. One lady donates her fifty year old cello to Ayers who is completely taken aback by this kindness. Steve attempts to get him to attend music lessons in order to hone his considerable skills. Nathaniel Ayers wants no part of this since, in his mind, he never wants to be indoors again. Steve takes advantage of Ayers statement that he considers Steve to be a god.  He says “I am your God, and as your God I command you to be at the apartment one week from today for cello lessons! Done deal, and it’s really a sweet deal too because if you show up I will grant you eternal life! Hell, I may even make you an disciple!”

The rest of the film explores the ongoing relationship between the two men as one tries to help the other. In the end, both benefit from their encounter with each other but there is really no Hollywood ending here. After all, this is based on a real life happening.

This movie is practically devoid of action and adventure but I would recommend it to you because, once in a while, we need to experience an emotional story like this. For the most part, the acting is spot on with the exception of the ramblings of Foxx’s character. The music is wonderful and there are several aerial scenes of Los Angeles that are quite interesting. Let me know what you think.

Quotes from this movie can be found at http://www.tvmoviequotes.com/thesoloist.htm

Rated – PG13 -

Fatwayne’s rating  –  -