Jamie Foxx is to star in yet another musical themed movie. This time it’s The Soloist, a biopic of musical prodigy Nathaniel Ayers (pictured left) who developed schizophrenia and ended up homeless on the streets of downtown L.A. where he performed solo violin and cello sessions.
The film depicts the relationship that developed between Ayers and Steve Lopez, who was a Los Angeles Times reporter who has an upcoming book about Ayers to be published soon. Obviously then Lopez will be a big part of the film but this role has yet to be cast.
Yeah that’s right, it’s one of those movies! The screenplay comes from Susannah Grant who also scribed Erin Brokovich, In Her Shoes and Catch and Release with British helmer Joe Wright on board to direct. He is no stranger to drama’s either having just completed the period flick Atonement and previously he was praised for his version of Pride and Prejudice. Both movie star Kiera Knightley, though I very much doubt she will be in this film.
We have a good writer. A talented director. And a fine lead actor with a decent sounding dramatic concept which should test all three of those departments to the full. This sounds pretty good to me.
Shooting begins in January, mostly in Los Angeles report Variety.
6 Comments
I’m thrilled! Wright is one of the directors I’m really keen on at the moment and I’m excited to see he has his next project lined up!
I just heard part of the interview with Lopez on NPR (local public radio station in Indianapolis – awesome btw) about his book, “The Soloist”. I’m very excited to read it. I love stories about the love of an instrument (namely “The Red Violin”) as I have a passion for playing music myself. I also have been very impressed by Jamie Fox’s development as an actor since I first watched him in the hilarious show “In Living Colour” years ago. He has grown so much professionally, and have high hopes for this role. I only hope that he can bring something new to the table since his awe-inspiring role as Ray Charles. I’m sure my fears will go unrealized as Fox has become a kind of a chameleon in how he can portray a vast array of character persona. In short,I feel that this is going to be my most anticipated upcoming movie!
Sounds like a good Biopic..
I hear that Robert Downey Jr will play the role of Steve Lopez. Even though i like Jamie Foxx for alot of stuff, I think the better choice could have been Tim Meadows (it would be a career defining role for him) or a second choice of Don Cheadle who has great energy about him.
An in-depth interview with the author is on npr (dot) org
Under PROGRAMS (left column) scroll down to FRESH AIR
Click on PAST SHOWS and click on APRIL 22
It’s an amazing and gripping interview.
I totally agree with the Don Cheadle recommendation, except I don’t know about his music training and Foxx has a background in piano. Foxx is so solid and muscular. Cheadle’s slight figure might have worked for this role.
I MATTHEW BUSH HAS BEEN AROUND NATHANIEL AYERS ABOUT TWO YEARS MEET HIM AT THE LAMP WHILE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY/HOMELESS DOWN BUT NOT OUT OF HOPE AND FAITH I KNEW THEIR WOULD BE BRIGHTER DAYS NOT KNOWING I WOULD END UP IN THE SOLOIST WITH JAMIE FOXX AND ROBERT DOWNEY JR. YOURS TRULY MATTHEW BUSH.
I love this movie..this is my neighborhood, this is my street, this is where I am from…Hough is known for something other than the Hough riots and I am very proud.
One Trackback
[...] The film depicts the relationship that developed between Ayers and Steve Lopez, who was a Los Angeles Times reporter who has an upcoming book about Ayers to be published soon. Obviously then Lopez will be a big part of the film but this role has yet to be cast. [Obsessed with Film] [...]