Review of The Soloist (2009) by Noname   — 21 Dec 2014

By the end of the Soloist, id honestly felt deflated. Its not a bad movie, the story and performances are all excellent. However Joe Wright polishes the film so much that any emotional impact you should be feeling for the characters, just isnt there! Steve Lopez is a columnist who, is not only quite popular with readers, is also a stuck with not much to talk about.

That is until one day he meets Nathanial, A violin playing, homeless man, who is not only mentally unstable but extremely unique. Lopez soon finds himself not only chasing down a wonderful story but the friendship of Nathanial, as Lopez tries to give him a better life.

As I said the acting duo here are on fine form. Downey is smug and lovable as Lopez and Jamie Foxx actually pulls out on of his best roles here, even Tom Hollander shows up for a bit and puts in a decent effort.

The problem is that no matter how hard these actors try, I am 100% unaffected by this remarkable tale. The shots a gorgeous, the music and themes are all impeccable, but everything is treated so pristine and by the books.

Had Wright actually have went for a more grittier feel, a darker look, a weightier tale of Nathanials life and the lives of the homeless, id be all up for screaming and recommending this movie to every punter out there.

Unfortunatly I just cant, it packs no emotional punch, even when Downey and Foxx are trying their hardest, to me that doesnt spell bad casting, to me it spells miscalculation. Wright made a few wrong choices which ultimately end up hurting the film, almost critically.

Its worth a watch for fans of all involved but you wont be ranting or raving about it, quite forgettable also, given the source material.