The Soloist
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: April 24, 2009
6.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 87 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
52
Mixed:
23
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
SusanS.Jan 17, 2010
This is one of the best films I saw in 2009. I'm sorry it got so little reception and that most of the critics did not seem to know how to handle it. Anyone who has worked, lived with or been close to someone with schizophrenia will This is one of the best films I saw in 2009. I'm sorry it got so little reception and that most of the critics did not seem to know how to handle it. Anyone who has worked, lived with or been close to someone with schizophrenia will probably be deeply moved by this movie. This is not a film of easy answers. But it's subject matter is not easy. It's not A Beautiful Mind or Shine, where the characters are suddenly transformed by the power of music or math or whatever. It deals with the reality of schizophrenia and homelessness, which are both terrifying, dizzying, and messy issues that cannot be solved with one helping hand and musical instrument. The acting, writing, and directing are amazing, as is the cinematography (the first sequence on skid row and an "internal" light show are particularly notable). I went into this film unsure about it, as the previews depicted it as one of those feel good inspirational stories, but was totally blown away. To think that films like Up in the Air and Avatar are stealing all the acclaim for 2009 and this film is getting left in the dust is heartbreaking. It's truly a masterpiece.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful
10
AnnSMay 2, 2009
You will laugh, maybe cry and it will make you smile. But there is no way you can't feel sympathy for Nathaniel or Steve in this movie. This movie is really poweful, and the fact that this is from a true story make it more interesting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
EdwardKMay 8, 2009
An entertaining and moving film. Not a masterpiece, but a solid piece of filmmaking, with credible performances by Downey and Foxx.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BrentP.Jun 16, 2009
Beautifully filmed and a wonderful story. Simply worth seeing. A story worth telling.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
kS.Aug 10, 2009
Deeply moving film, made more so by knowing Downey's life story, so as a background to what we watch, we know that the actor had to face comparably difficult inner demons. Very strong performances.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
WinstonL.Nov 11, 2009
Foxx and Downey Jr. are on my Oscar-watch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MarkDApr 25, 2009
I love this movie, is really powerful. The Audience Applauded at the end of this movie, in the theater.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BEApr 26, 2009
I thought this was a wonderful movie, especially for those that love classical music, as well as those that have loves ones fighting mental illness. If you're just interested in the movie because of Jamie Foxx, you will probably be I thought this was a wonderful movie, especially for those that love classical music, as well as those that have loves ones fighting mental illness. If you're just interested in the movie because of Jamie Foxx, you will probably be disappointed because it is so different than his previous work. I really enjoyed the movie. God Bless you Mr. Ayers!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
EnriqueApr 26, 2009
Very well conceived cinematographically. Superb acting. A moving, thought provoking film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
LanBApr 27, 2009
Highly enjoyable.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChrisEApr 29, 2009
Excellent film, very inspirational to everyone.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
picasaGoyaMay 3, 2009
I feel that I would have appreciated this movie much more had I been more appreciative of the Music-Color Vibrations you almost were required to understand to fully get the most of the movie and the artistic genius Mr Foxx's character I feel that I would have appreciated this movie much more had I been more appreciative of the Music-Color Vibrations you almost were required to understand to fully get the most of the movie and the artistic genius Mr Foxx's character portrayed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RyanSAug 6, 2009
A very sad movie about a schizophrenic musician and the reporter who writes about him. Seems quite authentic and the acting is great.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DiaCAug 9, 2009
I knew nothing about this film before I saw it, so it caught me completely off guard and, quite unexpectedly, moved me deeply. Brilliantly understated acting by both Foxx and Downey complemented some truly extroardinary scenes of homeless I knew nothing about this film before I saw it, so it caught me completely off guard and, quite unexpectedly, moved me deeply. Brilliantly understated acting by both Foxx and Downey complemented some truly extroardinary scenes of homeless life in LA that delivered a punch to my solar plexus like Dante's Inferno. Every scene in the film rang true, INCLUDING (although those with less experience with the mentally ill might disagree) the scenes in which Nathaniel was suddenly less than gracious. At the end, I was left with a feeling that although the story might revolve around Ayers, the true journey it depicts is actually that of Steve Lopez and his awakening from a bitter, sardonic anything-for-a-story newspaperman to a kinder, more sensitive human being with a solid awareness regarding the plight of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Outstanding work! I definitely look forward to reading the book.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LoisM.Dec 9, 2009
Don't pay attention to those who say this is boring or too sad; they are the same people who don't like any film unless someone is getting shot or raped. This is a great slice of real life film telling a real story; it features Don't pay attention to those who say this is boring or too sad; they are the same people who don't like any film unless someone is getting shot or raped. This is a great slice of real life film telling a real story; it features great acting by Downey, Foxx and Keener and wonderful cinematography.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DylanHApr 24, 2009
This movie isn't about someone that goes out and changes someone's life. It's about friendship and how it alone can change someone.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JulieSApr 25, 2009
This is such a beautiful film, Downey performance is always incredibly nuanced and I just enjoy the creativity that he brings to each role. Foxx was good too, i thought he was gonna over act his role but he did it amazing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AmyJApr 25, 2009
I cannot imagine any other actor in Robert Downey Jr's role. Other actors would have been too sentimental and heavy handed. Robert played it in such a subtle natural way. You cannot catch him acting if you know what I mean. It all seems I cannot imagine any other actor in Robert Downey Jr's role. Other actors would have been too sentimental and heavy handed. Robert played it in such a subtle natural way. You cannot catch him acting if you know what I mean. It all seems to just flow from him. I loved also how you can sense this change in attitude of him in the movie from a person who just sees Nathaniel as a story and then grows to see him as his friend. What a powerful movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ChadSApr 25, 2009
Nathaniel Ayers(Jamie Foxx) belongs on meds. If the former cello prodigy seeks out treatment for his schizophrenia, the journalist probably believes that the homeless man just might be another David Helfgott. It would make for a better Nathaniel Ayers(Jamie Foxx) belongs on meds. If the former cello prodigy seeks out treatment for his schizophrenia, the journalist probably believes that the homeless man just might be another David Helfgott. It would make for a better story, another "Shine". To the film's credit, it's open and honest about the possibility that the columnist exploits Nathaniel, as much as he helps him. The counselor at the homeless shelter tells Steve(Robert Downey Jr.) to simply be his friend, not his savior. In so many words, David(Nelsan Ellis) is saying that Nathaniel has the right to be crazy. The mentally ill have rights, too. Since the cracked musician is a fan of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the Western classical composer was deaf, his reluctance to silence those internal voices uncannily plays like an inverse of the situation in Josh Aronson's documentary "Sound and Fury", where deaf advocates fight for the right to NOT hear voices, when they confound well-meaning people by choosing to remain in their degraded conditions(they say "no" to cochlear implants). "The Soloist" reflects the frustration David must've felt in his reclamation project, because that cathartic moment in which Nathaniel finally gets to fulfill his destiny, never really arrives. "The Soloist" doesn't pretend that Nathaniel is a great musician like Scott Hicks' "Shine" did. There's a pause before the cello instructor answers Nathaniel's inquiry about his prospects as a professional musician. That pause tells us everything we need to know about Nathaniel's future. The time for great things has passed. But the journalist puts him on stage anyway, ignoring the counselor's advice. But we're implicated with exploitation too; we want Nathaniel to play well and provide us with an easy emotional release, a payoff.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
UlrichZApr 26, 2009
Very good message. Music was awesome. Opened my eyes to the plight of homeless people.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KidAApr 26, 2009
I must have watched a different movie from all these critics. This was one of the most beautiful, emotionally moving movies that I've ever seen. Unless you're an emotionless, soul-less shell of a human being, I give this my highest I must have watched a different movie from all these critics. This was one of the most beautiful, emotionally moving movies that I've ever seen. Unless you're an emotionless, soul-less shell of a human being, I give this my highest recommendation.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndyC.Apr 27, 2009
I think is this movie is such a moving film, i don't know why critics don't think is a masterpiece. Just because they didn't like how the director shoot it?
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MovieGuysFeb 20, 2014
As a cello player of 5 1/2 years, I really appreciate this movie's message and theme overall. And even with that said, the movie isn't that bad. It has its ups and downs, and sometimes the story has some holes, but the way music is portrayedAs a cello player of 5 1/2 years, I really appreciate this movie's message and theme overall. And even with that said, the movie isn't that bad. It has its ups and downs, and sometimes the story has some holes, but the way music is portrayed in this movie is so accurate, almost capturing the true meaning of music itself. And the dramatic movie you might want as well is definitely there too, dealing with themes like addiction and rage. This is a true movie that might be a little lost sometimes, but it should find its way back into your TV so that you can watch it for yourself.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
alejandro970Feb 11, 2018
Downey Jr. in one of his best roles without the IM armor. Real life story about how friendship save a lost soul. Jamie Foxx is touching as a musician who has to fight against his inner demons.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
KelvinSelimorNov 6, 2021
The Soloist. I am the second Beethoven. A beautiful drama in a musical style in which amazing music sounds. Unfortunately, the film spoils a too casual plot. Throughout the entire movie, almost nothing happens, and it gets boring veryThe Soloist. I am the second Beethoven. A beautiful drama in a musical style in which amazing music sounds. Unfortunately, the film spoils a too casual plot. Throughout the entire movie, almost nothing happens, and it gets boring very quickly. Jamie Foxx deserves special praise, he played his role perfectly.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
I found this an intriguing watch - the story alone is somewhat fascinating but then the performances of the main characters (Robert Downey Jnr as an LA Times journalist Steve Lopez and moreso Jamie Foxx as the titular homeless musicianI found this an intriguing watch - the story alone is somewhat fascinating but then the performances of the main characters (Robert Downey Jnr as an LA Times journalist Steve Lopez and moreso Jamie Foxx as the titular homeless musician Nathaniel. I was surprised to see Jamie Foxx in such a role - I'm not sure I'd have ever bet on him playing a down and out type. However, the music really makes the film stand out, with Foxx presumably performing the various pieces - violin pieces which sounded really quite haunting at times, particularly given the environment the pieces were sometimes played in.

It is clearly a film with a moral conscience, a social commentary aspect to it but I didn't feel like I was being actively lectured to or anything like that, as such. Its a thoughtful film - just the sort of film I tend to like. I suppose you could say its about hope and adversity, poverty, those sorts of themes, although that makes it sound really quite cheesy, potentially enforced cheesy, which I'd find off putting if I assumed that to be the case - as I say, I didn't feel this film really forced any moral messages to me as the viewer, as such, not forced down my throat. There are undoubtedly sad moments, scenarios depicted but its more general, in terms of Steve seeing the environment in which Nathaniel has had to live in, to get by while being out of employment. Its not the happiest of films in that way but neither is it one where we learn to become attached to a great number of people who we follow their specific journeys or anything like that, its more a sort of a philosophical type watch, as we (including the journalist) see what Nathaniel sees and it may be thought provoking in that sense.

The plot pace is perhaps a little slow for some - it could be said that there's little obvious plot direction but that didn't greatly bother me, as I enjoyed seeing Nathaniels reaction to being given new opportunities, new creative opportunities and the like. It is quite an audibly atmospheric watch and indeed the classical music made me consider about the positive health impacts of listening to classical music, for mindfulness type purposes perhaps. I'd recommend watching it (or moreso listening to it) with a good sound setup, if at all possible. I rented it via a film streaming site, plugged in my computer speakers and it sounded particularly good with the speakers in use.

Anyway, I can't deny it lifted my spirits at times and also saddened me in others, due to the circumstances in the scene present.

There is some poignant dialogue at times - some short and thoughtful sentences that I liked. One example being 'Beauty is art; music is beauty.' and another being when journalist Steve says 'Every now and then, the hearts, minds, and wallets of the city's officials open simultaneously. And when that happens, every now and then, the city is a better place for it. ' Ok their a little sugary sentimental but I was ok with that. I'd say it has a strong theme or presence of humanity in it - also understanding and self expression.

If you like instrumental, especially classic type music or/and interesting biopics, or/and social commentary related films, then I'd gladly recommend this film, not least for the two main performances given by Robert Downey Jnr as journalist Steve Lopez and Jamie Foxx, as Nathaniel Ayers. Also, Tom Hollander (who starred in the titular role of the BBC TV show Rev) portrays another character, Graham Claydon.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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