The Soloist

"Life has a mind of its own"

Apr 24 2009 PG-13 1h 57m
Biography, Drama, Music

A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Juilliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper.

Plot

In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez's good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers' personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them.

Written by

Susannah Grant, Steve Lopez

Directed by

Joe Wright

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Krasnoff Foster Productions, Participant, StudioCanal, Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Working Title Films

Languages

English

Awards

1 win & 3 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
55,985
Average Rating
6.7 out of 10
Metascore
61
Popularity
NA