A Powerful Story That Can't Quite Come Together

Rating: 6/10 (20 November 2017)

The Soloist tells the true story of L.A. Times reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) discovering Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) a cello prodigy whose mental illness has pushed him into homelessness. It is a heartwarming story of perseverance and a reminder that amazing people can be found in the most unexpected places. It is also a portrayal of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, and the struggle it can create, both for those suffering from it and those who care about them.
Unfortunately, those two impactful themes are not blended together well and the transition between them feels harsh and undermines their impact. There is also a focus on the homelessness problem, but it is not fleshed out well and doesn't have the impact it could. They also added the fictional subplot of Lopez having gone through a recent divorce, but still working with and being close with his ex- wife (Catherine Keener). This really doesn't add much to the story past giving a reason that Lopez throws himself so much into trying to help Nathaniel.
The problems ultimately boil down to underwhelming direction from Joe Wright, which is disappointing given his excellent work on "Atonement" and "Pride and Prejudice." All the right pieces were there to make The Soloist a powerful and moving film, but it can't quite come together as a single piece.