Review of Goodbye Solo (2009) by James M — 14 Nov 2010

I kept thinking that I was witnessing something special while watching Goodbye Solo. Having read so much about Ramin Bahrani, I can finally confirm that he has a powerful knack for squeezing every ounce of passion and profundity from the seemingly mundane. This talent alone makes the film an absolute must-see for any independent filmmaker, but Solo's character is what ultimately will make the film interesting to the casual moviegoer. Souleymane Sy Savane is brilliant, as his is script, both to the point that the supporting actors' shortcomings become more apparent.

I find the film to have other minor flaws as well, particularly the cinematography (prior to the dazzling final scene), nonprofessional acting, and an underdeveloped subplot involving William and his "son". I don't know which of these is most responsible, but the culminating emotional impact of the final scene was severely compromised for me. Perhaps it was just the open-ending that felt a little too predictable, but the omission of raw emotion was felt.

The film is still enjoyable from start to finish and certainly has some lasting appeal with the inspirational character of Solo. He's developed so perfectly that his lack of moral ambiguities still manages to seem uncontrived; he comes across as an all around good guy. Like the film, and its director, Solo is bursting with life and empathy.

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