The SoloList

A tale of a homeless Julliard alumnus suffering from schizophrenia meeting a successful columnist for the L.A. Times. And coyote urine.

The Soloist's title does not refer to music so much as a Julliard musician suffering from a mental illness living alone, struggling to find Beethoven, whom he looks up to feverishly and in a childlike idolization manner, and running from his fears (brought about with immense heapings of schizophrenia). This has amazing cinematography and acting, but the drama itself is mildly flat. Because I am so perfect in every regard making me immune to emotion, I used Megan's reactions to what was on screen to see if the drama elicted emotion. Devin was no help whatsoever, seeing as the only emotion he feels is loneliness while searching for his true self within the souls of others. Nah.

I will try to avoid revealing plot in the following review.

Cinematography/Showmanship:

Amazing. The movie utilizes great camera angles and background music, along with some nice special effects and sounds, all of which really tells you how the characters are feeling. Sometimes it is desperate, other times in massive confusion, everything is really well done and polished, with nice little cuts that transition each scene. Like watching someone slip on his own urine that he spills out of a test tube. At its best, the movie has a really great special effect scene that may or may not cause a grand mal seizure in epileptics. 9.5/10

Acting:

Great actors, funny costumes. The musician was just so damn colorful. Also, the main character had funny socks, so that merits a bonus point. 8.5/10

Storyline:

The biggest part, and also, this movie's failing. I get how it's based off a true story, but I feel like the movie could have done a better job giving the uplift in this uplifting drama. However, it did a really great job sticking to real life details, with very human-like characters and accurate portrayals of, well, everything. I'm going to read the book to see how the movie pans out against the book. I guess it isn't the movie's fault that the plot seems a little flat, but it may or may not get credit for sticking to the real life event so well. The only emotion I could see in Megan was laughter and headaches, so there you have it. :P Of course, I also got my finger stuck in those stupid cupholders so that influences my judging of this aspect too :3 8/10

Overall: 9.4/10- Almost an Asian Fail!