The Soloist

I went to the movies last night with my wife Su and a friend. We saw The Soloist with Jamie Fox and Robert Downey Jr. It is based on a true story and what an outstanding performance is given by all. Once again Jamie Fox has shown such incredible talent. It must have been extremely hard to prepare for that role. I mean, just how does one study and learn how to accurately portray a person who lives with the mental illness of schizophrenia anyway? How do they do it? How do they cope with everyday stressors? How can they build and keep relationships? It is a devastating mental disorder that strikes without warning usually in the mid to late twenties. And the people it strikes are usually very bright and intelligent people.

Those whom the disease afflicts usually do not enjoy the same greater longevity that the general population does because they unwittingly cause their own demise trying to get away from the voices in their own heads. This story has a happy ending, but many lives touched by this disease do not. This story also puts a human face on the plight and suffering of the homeless. They are societies cast offs; swept under the rug of conscience and forgotten about.

If you have a loved one that suffers from any mental illness in general or schizophrenia in particular, you should go and see this movie. I hope that it opens up peoples hearts to the hellish suffering that these people endure every minute of every single day. I hope that people see that these people are coping with their tortured existence with every ounce of their being. I hope people see that these people are talented, gifted, people who deserve our compassion. I hope that this movie acts as a catalyst for understanding and compassion.

Superb acting, great cinematography, and the most beautiful classical music in the world combined together with the true story of heartfelt human connections and relationships create a film worthy of an Oscar for the best picture. If you see only one movie this year, make it this one.