A solid drama with two powerful actors

Rating: 8/10 (6 February 2011)

When this film originally showed trailers I was dying to see it. I didn't get to see it for a very long time and just kept putting it off but it was always a film I really wanted to see. Finally I picked it up on blu ray and sat down to watch it. For all that build up and expectation the film did not let me down. I think a big part of its success should be attributed to the two stars who are both Hollywood stars and very talented actors. Still the based on a true story aspect certainly doesn't hurt as it is a moving and powerful story. The film uses music as its core character as Nathaniel is passionate about nothing more than his music. Whether or not, as some reviewers discuss, the film is an accurate portrayal of schizophrenia it certainly sheds some serious light on the illness. Incredibly though it doesn't drag the film down. One of the best parts of The Soloist is the fact that it isn't dark or heavy handed but instead has this light hearted feeling that leaves you feeling good. I mean the content means there will be a little darkness to it but considering this is a feel good film at its core.
Robert Downey Jr. has quickly been one of the biggest stars in the world and he has talent to back that. His performance as kinda self involved Steve Lopez. I say kinda but he really is a good guy right from the beginning. The best part of the character is that he's just a regular guy. He isn't over the top one way or another and he becomes attached to Nathanial. Nathanial is played by Jamie Foxx, another Hollywood star with talent to back. The chemistry between Foxx and Downey Jr. is amazing. Foxx plays Nathanial with such heart and passion and you will become as attached to him as Lopez does. The passion he displays pays a great homage to the real person I am sure. Catherine Keener is Lopez' ex-wife and colleague. She is decent and her and Downey have good chemistry, even great at times but her character is a little low key compared to Foxx and Downey and she sort of gets buried in the overall scheme of things. The supporting cast including Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton and Nelsan Ellis are all very good.
Director Joe Wright doesn't have a lot of credits to his name but he does have some powerful and well made films to his credit including Atonement and Pride and Prejudice but I think The Soloist is really his first main stream film and he does wonderful at it. I'm sure directing was easy enough considering the great leading cast. The story is well written and well adapted from Lopez's actual book about the situation. So to sum all of this up The Soloist is a feel good film that might seem like it has some really dark content but it is handled by all involved so well that it actually turns in a light and fun story with real emotion behind it. Definitely recommend this for a Saturday night movie night. It might not have been a critical hit like it could have been but it will entertain and move you. 8/10