Review of Goodbye Solo (2009) by Daisy M — 14 Oct 2009

An unlikely friendship is the focus of Ramin Bahrani's "Goodbye Solo".

Goodbye Solo (2009) - 8.0/10.

Director - Ramin Bahrani.

Starring - Souleymane Sy Savane, Red West, Diana Franco Galindo, Lane "Roc" Williams, Carmen Levya.

Solo (Souleymane Sy Savane) is a Senagalese cab driver working in Winston-Salem. The friendly cabbie supports his girlfriend and daughter driving a cab while he dreams of better opportunities. One night one of his riders, the elderly William (Red West) offers Solo $1000 to take him to a remote destination in two weeks. Over the course of two weeks Solo befriends the troubled and very private William. He tries to learn more about William and convince him that life is worth living.

"Goodbye Solo" is a uniquely American tale. Director Ramin Bahrani explores the American experience through the eyes of two men. Solo, the Senegalese cab driver, is the eternal optimist chasing the American dream. He's always upbeat and takes an interest in all of his riders, but especially William. William represents the old south. He's a crusty old man with a quick temper and a mysterious past. He just wants to be left alone. While Solo represents hope, William represents a silent despair; a reality that life sometimes doesn't turn out as planned. But Solo's culture and curiosity gets the best of him and he is determined to make a difference in William's life.

Bahrani lets everything unfold naturally. The story never feels scripted and the two main characters feel so real you don't even think of them as actors. Bahrani does show some of the cultural differences of Solo and William but it's never judgemental nor does the friendship ever feel forced. Considering the seriousness of William's plight it's actually quite an uplifting film. The camera work is also quite good for such a small film.

Recommended!