Elle Jay

This film is an emotional roller-coaster. Not for those who are afraid to feel. The performances of Robert Downey Jr (Steve Lopez) and Jamie Foxx (Anthony Ayers) were gripping and brilliantly executed. The direction by Joe Wright is flawless. The screenplay by Susannah Grant is intelligent and powerful. The cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is clever and breathtaking. Watch with your full attention or, alas, you may "lose your place". The divinely temperamental music of Beethoven guides you through the journeys of these men; one who is stifled, cynical, disillusioned and insecure; the other crippled by mental illness and struggling to exist in the "normal" world. These men have much in common and the film explores their similarities as well as their differences. The juxtaposition of glamorous, affluent Los Angeles and the vapid, disconsolate existence tens of thousands of mentally ill homeless find themselves living is tragic and unacceptable. How can these divergent masses coexist within such close proximity? What drives a musical prodigy to sink into delusion, despair and madness? What compels a successful journalist to risk life and limb to help a stranger? If you're human, you will be touched. What is the moral of the story? Don't turn away when you encounter a needy stranger. If you do nothing else, pray for them if you have spiritual beliefs. If not that, send positive thoughts and energy their way. Show them compassion, not pity, for they are human; like you. They matter; like you. They are doing their best; like you. They know they've lost their dignity. Even those suffering with profound mental illness know they've lost their sense of dignity, self-worth and purpose. We need each other in this world. No one should feel alone nor abandoned. We are all just one life-shattering crisis away from being homeless. Remember that and cast aside your prejudices and fears. Then with an open heart, enjoy The Soloist.