The Soloist January 4, 2010

Here comes yet another movie review. this one being much more of a reflection. I just finished watching The Soloist. (the movie about the homeless guy who plays the cello).

I can’t necessarily sustain a cry, but i sure did come to tears.  What is it about homeless people movies that just– GET me? It reminds me quite a bit of The Pursuit of Happiness. But thats probably because its another “black guy trying to make it in the big bad world, can he do it?” type. its kind of unfortunate if you think about it, that hollywood can thrive off of glamorizing strife.

while I sat under the covers of a blanket with my laptop warming my legs, I thought about how I can complain so easily about the littlest things. there are 90,000 homeless in just one little section of a state. amazing. i have every comfort i can imagine. and i get jealous of the ones i don’t have (yet).

the tear-jerker part came for me right towards the end. it was the subtlest  scene. but MAN it knocks you. i love a movie that can cause me to think afterwards. to have seen the world in a way i haven’t before. something about a movie about a homeless person is– there’s not much made up in it. its not a movie full of lies, glamor, lust, or amazing things that probably never happened. nope. it doesn’t get MORE real than this. i love a movie that can stick with me, that afterwards I feel like i’ve somehow been changed, that i have had an experience between me and the screen.

i don’t know whats good film, whats the best camera angles or shots, or even the best script or plot line. i dont know what makes a movie fantastic from the critical standpoint. but i say, beautiful; respectful;inspiring.

anyway, the movie was– move-ing. i recommend it.

In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez’s good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers’ personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them

i hope i can volunteer at TASK soon. maybe next wednesday.