The Soloist

One of those self-important movies that seem to be designed solely to secure Academy Award nominations, The Soloist tries way too hard to be Meaningful but ultimately winds up being Schmaltzy. Based on the titular nonfiction book, the film dramatizes the fascinating but troubled relationship between Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) and homeless schizophrenic Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a cello-playing prodigy whom Lopez befriends after a chance meeting on the city's mean streets. Trying to obtain help for Ayers becomes the journalist's great mission, even after his ex-wife and current boss (Catherine Keener) accuses Lopez of exploiting the dangerously demented musician because he makes for good “copy.” Director Joe Wright, who did such a wonderful job on Atonement, comes up short here, owing to a muddled script that simultaneously over-amplifies the central dilemma while also permitting ill-advised digressions (such as an out-of-place soliloquy about the state of the newspaper industry). Downey does his best to flesh out a thinly written role, but Foxx overplays consistently. While The Soloist's message that we are indeed our brothers' keepers is laudable, it's unfortunately presented here in an obvious, heavy-handed manner. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Joe Wright, “An Unlikely Friendship” making-of featurette (20 min.), a “One Size Does Not Fit All: Addressing Homelessness in Los Angeles” featurette (10 min.), a “Kindness, Courtesy and Respect: Mr. Ayres + Mr. Lopez” featurette on real-life subjects Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez (5 min.), deleted scenes (10 min.), a “Beth's Story” PSA (2 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an uneven true-life drama.] (E. Hulse)