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The Soloist (2009)

12A 117 min  -  Drama | Biography | Music  -   24 April 2009 (USA)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 24,288 users   Metascore: 61/100 
Reviews: 123 user | 202 critic | 33 from Metacritic.com

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

Director:

Joe Wright

Writers:

Susannah Grant (screenplay), Steve Lopez (book)
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1 win & 3 nominations See more awards »

Related Videos

The Soloist -- This is the theatrical trailer for The Soloist, directed by Joe Wright and starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. The Soloist -- This is a clip from the movie The Soloist. The Soloist -- Interview: Lisa Gay Hamilton "On the pride she feels being involved with the film"
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jamie Foxx ...
Robert Downey Jr. ...
Catherine Keener ...
Tom Hollander ...
Graham Claydon
LisaGay Hamilton ...
Jennifer Ayers (as Lisagay Hamilton)
Nelsan Ellis ...
David Carter
Rachael Harris ...
Leslie Bloom
Stephen Root ...
Curt Reynolds
Lorraine Toussaint ...
Flo Ayers
Justin Martin ...
Young Nathaniel
Kokayi Ampah Kokayi Ampah ...
Bernie Carpenter
Patrick Tatten Patrick Tatten ...
Paul Jr.
Susane Lee ...
Marisa (as Susane E. Lee)
Marcos De Silvas ...
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Ilia Volok ...
Harry Barnoff
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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. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Musician | Journalist | Los Angeles Times | Columnist | Audience  | See more »

Taglines:

No one changes anything by playing it safe See more »

Genres:

Drama | Biography | Music

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

UK | USA | France

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Le soliste See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$9,716,458 (USA) (26 April 2009) (2024 Screens)

Gross:

$31,670,931 (USA) (5 July 2009)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital  | SDDS  | DTS

Color:

Color (DeLuxe)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Jamie Foxx had his teeth ground down for the role of Ayers. He says, "My teeth are just so big and white - a homeless person would never have them." See more »

Goofs

Continuity: Lopez is seen standing trying to open the drink that was offered by Nathaniel. You then see Lopez leaning against the wall with the can held close to Lopez's body as the camera quickly cuts away between shots. See more »

Quotes

Nathaniel Ayers: Beauty is art; music is beauty.
See more »

Crazy Credits

At the end of the credits, the music concludes with the sound of a cassette tape grinding to a stop, referencing Lopez's omnipresent recorder. See more »

Connections

Featured in "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #19.22" (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"Me Despido"
Written by Ernie Salgado
Performed by Michael Salgado
Courtesy of Freddie Records See more »