Sunday, Sep. 07, 2008
The Soloist
Los Angeles reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr.) befriends a musician (Jamie Foxx) who once studied at Juilliard. Now he's a homeless schizophrenic, but he nourishes the hope of playing at Walt Disney Music Hall, the Frank Gehry building not far from where he busks for quarters. Based on Lopez's book, this has all of the elements — noble, troubled guy, sensible enabler, one honorable dream — for a prime, end-of-the-year weepie. With Fox playing another afflicted musician (he won an Academy Award for Ray), and Atonement director Joe Wright on board, Oscar nominations are guaranteed. Good would be a bonus.