The Soloist (2009)

The Soloist (2009), directed by Joe Wright, features Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. in lead roles. The film tells the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless man who struggles with schizophrenia and is also an exceptionally talented musician. In 2005, Steve Lopez works as a journalist for the Los Angeles Times under his ex-wife Mary, who is now his editor. After being involved in a biking accident, Lopez is hospitalized. It is during this time that he hears the beautiful sound of a violin being played. Intrigued, he meets Nathaniel Ayers, the homeless man playing the instrument. Through their conversation, Lopez discovers that Ayers was once a student at Juilliard. However, when he contacts the school to find out more about Ayers’ past, they have no record of him ever attending. Although initially dismissive of covering a story about someone with schizophrenia who can play the cello well, Lopez soon realizes that it could be an interesting story to write about.

He later finds out that Ayers did indeed attend Juilliard but dropped out after two years. The next day, Lopez finds Ayers again and expresses his desire to write about him. However, it seems like Ayers is not paying attention. After making little progress, Lopez reaches out to Ayers’ sister for information. She reveals that Ayers was once a child prodigy on the cello but had to drop out of Juilliard due to symptoms of schizophrenia. As a result, he ended up on the streets because he believed his sister wanted to harm him. Without his beloved instrument, Ayers now plays a two-string violin. Lopez composes his article and receives an overwhelming response from readers. One generous reader even sends a cello for Ayers. Excitedly, Lopez brings it to him and discovers that he is just as skilled on the cello as he is on the violin.