MOVIE: THE SOLOIST

Director Joe Wright (Atonement) really knows how to make his audience work for their pleasures. If your attention wavers … actually, that can’t happen as he so deeply inserts you into characters, space and setting it’s visually claustrophobic. The Soloist is the perfect case in point. It’s the true story of LA Times journo Steve Lopez (an impeccably cast Robert Downey Jr) and his bizarre relationship/infatuation with child genius-turned-schizophrenic hobo Nathanial Ayers (deftly interpreted by Jamie Foxx). Their rough tango is realistic and intoxicating – but ultimately exhausting. This, coupled with a consuming excursion into the guts of Skid Row (a place Wright was hungry to exhibit), makes for an intense couple of hours. A few days spent processing its legion of themes will give this film the distinction it deserves. (RK)