The Soloist

The Soloist.

The film was released on the 24^th April 2009. It is an DreamWorks production. The film is based on a true story, chronicled by LA Times writer Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), a columnist searching for a human interest subject to write about.

 It’s a true story. 117 mins dreamworks. Budget- $60,000,000 (estimated) $9,716,458 (USA) (26 April 2009) (2024 Screens)

The storyline; 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.

Summarising the key points from production notes.

*DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures Present In Association with

StudioCanal and Participant Media A Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment Production

In Association with Working Title Films “The Soloist” starring Jamie Foxx, Robert

Downey Jr, Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander and LisaGay Hamilton.

*Based on the book about Steve Lopez.

*Rated PG13.

*Present a fresh cinematic view of LA.

*After spending time watching Nathaniel and Steve together, Foxx and

Downey also latched onto the fun at the centre of their unusual relationship,

something that really came across when they were on set together.

*
42% of the homeless say they have an addiction to drugs or alcohol.