Movie- The Soloist

I should always be a bit wary when I think I may not like a movie Robert Downey Jr. is in...he somehow elevates any script he is given, and he certainly does that in the case of The Soloist (2008).

While the plot (a true story) may not be as deep or as moving as the film intends, Downey, as an LA Times columnist, and Jaime Foxx as mentally disturbed concert cellist Nathaniel Ayers, both play their roles perfectly. Downey plays Steve Lopez as a earnest, but somewhat shallow, columnist hotshot, who tries to help the street musician he hears one day, without really thinking about what help may mean to Ayers.

Ayers was an amazing cellist, studying at Julliard before mental illness overcame his ability to continue, not only at the school, but in "normal" life. Foxx is excellent, skirting the line between totally nutso, and sympathetic, troubled artist. And that is what Lopez has trouble discerning...that line, because he feels like if he just gives Ayers a cello and some stability, things will be fine. And he will be able to go on his merry way to another column.

But it is more complicated than that in dealing with mental illness...stability can be just as hard on someone like Ayers as instability.

What bogs this film down is the story itself. While intriguing and well acted- well made all-around- the story does not inspire particularly. I mean, I feel bad for Ayers, but I didn't feel that he was that much different from any other street person...they all have stories. And Lopez only helps Ayers, while ignoring the bigger, societal problems that let Ayers down in the first place. It is fine to help this man, but what about all the other people afflicted with mental illness and/or homeless. Ayers seems no more deserving than them.

The Soloist is not bad at all, but for me it does not have any bigger message or point.