Release Date
April 24, 2009
DVD Release Date
August 4, 2009 (Buy on Amazon)
Director
Writer
Studio
Running Time
109 minutes
MPAA Rating
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language
Based on the true story of musical prodigy Nathaniel Ayers, who developed schizophrenia in his second year at Juilliard and ended up homeless on the streets of downtown L.A. where he performs the violin and cello. The drama is based on the relationship the musician developed with Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times reporter whose column informed the script, as did a book Lopez is writing that Putnam will publish in the spring.... Full synopsis »
MOVIE REVIEW
From the previews, The Soloist looked like a winner. From director Joe Wright, the man behind such excellent films as Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, comes a film about a reporter who befriends a schizophrenic homeless man who also used to attend Julliard and is a musical genius. The movie stars two-time Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr. and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx. The movie looked and felt like Oscar bait, so why was it released in April? Full movie review »