Jamie Foxx’ performance as a gifted, but schizophrenic musician will surely bring him a flood of attention. Could he bookend the Best Actor Oscar he won for Ray with another for his portrayal of this complex man? Or will his cool characterisation distance audiences?
The film is based on a series of articles and a subsequent book by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, detailing his relationship with a homeless violin virtuoso he stumbles upon, drawn to the lovely sounds coming from a two-stringed violin. Lopez hooks into Nathaniel Ayers’ story for a quick article, but their friendship soon becomes a beacon of redemption for both of them.
Ayers is a Julliard trained musician whose mental illness forced him out of school and onto the streets of LA. He wears sequins and pushes a cart of his worldly goods as he plays at the feet of a statue of Ludwig von Beethoven, dreaming of playing Disney Hall.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Lopez begins to care deeply for his ‘charge’, and does things he thinks will help get him get well and off the streets – organising regular care, an apartment, and the trappings of ‘normal’ life he experienced before the schizophrenia took hold. Ayers refuses medication but welcomes a cello gifted by one of Lopez’ readers.
Lopez manages to get Ayers, now a celebrity thanks to the articles, into the hall to watch the LA Symphony rehearse under conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. Lopez then pronounces Ayers ready to play an outdoor concert for arts patrons and the curious.
Downey pulls his energy back to play this soliticitous, exasperated and loyal man. It’s unusual to see him in a regular guy supporting role. Part way through his halo begins to take shape until he’s temporarily forced out of Ayers’ life.
Director Joe Wright (Atonement) builds contemplative, emotional moments in the confines of the cement jungle where Nathaniel lives, but he overdoes it at times. The story offers plenty of chances for big musical moments and each is taken.
He gathered a strong supporting cast including Catherine Keener as Lopez’ boss and estranged wife, Tom Hollander as a ham handed but well intentioned music tutor, and the amazing Lisa Gay Hamilton as Ayers’ sister.
This is Foxx’ film. His portrait of a man bedevilled by voices and unable to tell the difference between illusion and reality is truly breathtaking. His face and eyes appear childlike in moments of lucidity, an innocent who doesn’t understand that he is under attack by his own body chemistry.
The subplot on the plight of Los Angeles’ homeless population is keenly felt, as outreach groups are overwhelmed by the growing numbers of ‘cases’. The mayor of LA comes forth with funds to fix skid row, as happened in real life.
The film was originally intended for release months ago, but no doubt Paramount opened its slate to deal with the nominations heavyweight The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
They may have waited too long as strong buzz leading up to its release may inevitably result in disappointment. No film can survive that kind of prolong, pre-release buzz, especially one that feels distant, cool and rather hopeless.
35mm drama
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