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Loading ...The Soloist is an 2009 drama film starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. It was directed by Joe Wright based on a screenplay written by Susannah Grant. The film is based on a true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless.
Jamie Foxx portrays Nathaniel Ayers, who is considered a cello prodigy, and Robert Downey Jr. portrays Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times columnist who discovers Ayers and writes about him in the newspaper. Production of the film began in January 2008 and was filmed mostly in Los Angeles, with some scenes shot in Cleveland. The film was released on April 24, 2009.
Plot
The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia during his second year at Juilliard School. Ayers becomes homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, playing the violin and the cello.
Cast
- Jamie Foxx as Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless. Foxx, who has been classically trained on the piano, studied stringed instruments under Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist Ben Hong for the role.[2] Also, Foxx had chiseled his teeth in order to show a realistic appearance. Foxx also stated that filming was comparable to his troubled childhood years.
- Robert Downey Jr. as Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who wrote about Nathaniel Ayers and developed a friendship with him.
- Catherine Keener as Lopez’s ex-wife and editor at the Los Angeles Times.
- Tom Hollander as Graham Claydon, a Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist who attempts to rehabilitate Ayers.
- Lisa Gay Hamilton as Jennifer, a sister of Nathaniel Ayers.
- Rachael Harris as Lopez’s co-worker.
