TRAILERS
Must Watch: Joe Wright's The Soloist Trailer
by Alex Billington
September 10, 2008
Source: Yahoo
Based on a true story, The Soloist is about a schizophrenic homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers (played by Jamie Foxx) who is actually a musical prodigy that's discovered on the streets by LA Times journalist Steve Lopez (played by Robert Downey Jr). The first full trailer for the film has debuted and can be watched it below. It's not exactly what I expected, but it still looks good. Based on this trailer, I don't actually think The Soloist will be a big Oscar contender anymore. Both Foxx and Downey Jr. look great, but it just doesn't seem like they have the edge needed to really push this to that level. I will say that it does look like this year's Pursuit of Happyness and I'm expecting it to have just as much heart and passion. Thoughts?
Watch the trailer for The Soloist:
You can also watch The Soloist trailer in High Definition on Yahoo
The Soloist is directed by English filmmaker Joe Wright, of Pride & Prejudice and Atonement previously. The script was written by Susannah Grant, of 28 Days, Erin Brockovich, Catch and Release, and Charlotte's Web, and is based on newspaper articles written by Steve Lopez. DreamWorks is debuting The Soloist in theaters starting on November 21st this Thanksgiving. Be sure to check it out.
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51 Comments
1
Way to come back with a vengeance mr downey jr!
Raj on Sep 10, 2008
2
Wasn't what I was expecting either but still looks great. Comparing it to Pursuit of Happyness? Kind of strange but oh well.
Itri on Sep 10, 2008
3
This is a poor mans Caveman Valentine with Samuel L Jackson...
REAL6 on Sep 10, 2008
4
i think it looks really well done. Foxx will get awards not so much for downey.
troy on Sep 10, 2008
5
looks great
Darrin on Sep 10, 2008
6
I think you're wrong. The trailer brought me to tears. I'm not a great judge of Oscar material, but anything that brings me to tears is usually amazing. I think this movie may surprise you.
Mama Gaea on Sep 10, 2008
7
Wow, i nearly cried, had to hold it back, cos i'm at work 😛
BILLY on Sep 10, 2008
8
That looks amazing, I love Joe Wright's visual style. He is certainly a master film maker, and I think it will certainly play well with oscar just bc of the hype all three players have.
tyler Ford on Sep 10, 2008
9
Wow, not oscar material you say? I disagree.
Kelley on Sep 10, 2008
10
I love seeing Foxx in dramatic roles and it's great to see Downey Jr. going full force in the biz again. It may or may not be an Oscar contender but it sure looks like a powerful film. Can't wait.
Frame on Sep 10, 2008
11
Looks great, I also had to hold back some tears, BUT I could not get over Foxx's ridiculous haircut and I feel bad for it.
Silver on Sep 10, 2008
12
I am VERY intrigued... this could be a truly amazing movie or could absolutely fall on its face. I will definently have to check it out though, for nothing else than to see Foxx play something taking a little screen time and focus that is not action and explosions or comedy.
Dusty on Sep 10, 2008
13
Does noone think this is a bit odd. Does anyone this that it might just be slightly possible that RDJ took this role in defense against the negative attention from Tropic Thunder, playing the role of an Australian portraying an African American who talks comedically about peoples with disabilities. Obviously he took the role previous to the actual negative press, but he's a smart man and I'd give him the benefit of being fully aware of the press he would get for his Tropic Thunder role.
Bobby on Sep 10, 2008
14
I like the way Foxx handles Prelude, and Downey Jr. great as usual. I used to kinda dislike Foxx but since watching Collateral, Jarhead, and The Kingdom I'm starting to like him...
Xerxex on Sep 10, 2008
15
I could barely hear any of the dialogue in that trailer. They need to bring the music level down.
Zach D. on Sep 10, 2008
16
WOW! I think this is one comedian, Foxx, who takes serious dramatic roles and BLOWS THEM AWAY! He has so much talent. He seems a bit cocky at times, but at times he deserves the right to be cocky. And Robert Jr, dude, you are finally getting the movies you have lways deserved. Thank you for your talent.
AllmightyKeim on Sep 10, 2008
17
I agree with 15 a bit but I'm definitely looking forward to this. Love RDJ, he rocks.
Collin on Sep 10, 2008
18
Does anyone know what the song was that they are playing in the trailer, beautiful song.
Tomi on Sep 11, 2008
19
i really think this looks good. Do we have Jamie Fox's next Ray
Blake on Sep 11, 2008
20
@18 Bach Cello Suite No.1 Prelude.
don on Sep 11, 2008
21
Man great stuff... Jamie Foxx is great in everything and I would not bet against Downey after nailing his recent roles.
JBeans on Sep 11, 2008
22
This looks awesome. Helping others is really the backbone of our humanity.
Aaron on Sep 11, 2008
23
I don't remember when a trailer got me in tears. This looks wonderful. Both actors works well, but RDJ ia actually a genius. Can't wait for it.
Ben on Sep 11, 2008
24
I liked this movie the first time when it was called "Ray".... j/k =)
L on Sep 11, 2008
26
@ #14, Bobby That's actually a very good point I didn't even think of it. It just goes to show that the man is a genius. I keep watching the trailer and think to myself how effortless his performances seem to be. I'm glad he's back on track.
Frame on Sep 11, 2008
27
the above picture will definitely be an inspiration for what will be a memorable MadTv skit. when does THAT come out,I wana knoww... "Based on a true story, The Soloist is about a schizophrenic homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers (played by Jamie Foxx) who is actually a musical prodigy that's discovered on the streets by LA Times journalist Steve Lopez (played by Robert Downey Jr). " I mean,c'mon-the joke practically writes itself.
twispious on Sep 11, 2008
28
This looks very similar to the straight to dvd release of Resurrecting the Champ with Sam Jackson except with a musician rather than a boxer. I thoroughly enjoyed that film (even though it didn't get a wide release), and I think this one will appeal to a much broader audience than the boxing crowd. Let just hope Jamie Foxx doesn't go full schizophrenic...
Peloquin on Sep 11, 2008
29
@ # 28 "Let just hope Jamie Foxx doesn't go full schizophrenic…" LOL I see what you did there:P
Cisco on Sep 11, 2008
30
I'll definitely see this in theaters. 08-09 has some great films coming out.
Ramez on Sep 11, 2008
31
One reason why it cant be this year Pursuit of Happiness...no Will Smith!
Al on Sep 11, 2008
32
Seemed like a bad audio mix on this. I had to turn this WAY up to even hear the dialogue beneath all the music and other sounds. Looks great though.
kevjohn on Sep 11, 2008
33
that movie looks gooooooood!
Ray G!!!! on Sep 11, 2008
34
When I first heard about this movie, I wasn't interested in it at all, but that trailer made me want to see it.
Lauren on Sep 11, 2008
35
Go Joe, Go Joe, you rock! This story transends, and the music...!!!! Wish you all the best in your career. You are the Master, now, my dear! 😉
Kathy SF on Sep 11, 2008
36
Reign over me? They seem to have reversed the roles however... Still, Downel Jr. is better than Cheadle and Foxx is better than sandler any day...
Joe Bonilla on Sep 11, 2008
37
looks great so far, it definitely peaked my interest. I think that it being the prestige season studios are going to be releasing their Oscar contenders, I feel that this movies contention will be judged on how many people are crying when they leave the theater. I am glad to see Jamie has found his Oscar Niche. See you at the movies....
Nuff Said on Sep 12, 2008
38
What the fukk has an oscar done for me? This movie looks spectacular. Love Downey. Admired Foxx since his days on ILC and TJFS. A captivating flick we have here and i am sure it will do well the box office as well. A premature 2 thumbs up that am almost positive will stay up even after i view the film. Real talk.
BinYe East on Sep 12, 2008
39
I can't wait to see this movie!!
SillySil on Sep 12, 2008
40
I think it wasn't what I was expecting also as a trailer but I can't wait to read the book based on the articles and see the movie. Downey's my favorite actor and I hope this is a hit for him, Joe, Foxx, Keener, and everyone involved. And may this garner Downey with another Oscar nod after 15/16 years since his last.
Stacey J on Sep 14, 2008
41
August Rush + Resurrecting the Champ + Reign Over Me Thats how I put it in my head. But anyway, I think this will be very good. I can never get enough Downey Jr., so I will deffinently see it. It looks very heartwarming and nice.
-Peter- on Oct 6, 2008
42
This is one of the few trailers that i have seen that makes it actually look like it's worth the thirty dollars to see it in the theater. I can't wait to see it.
J216 on Oct 12, 2008
43
Great trailer, looks like Downey and Foxx would have done well at the Oscars IF IT WASNT PUSHED BACK A COUPLE MONTHES!
Sally on Oct 17, 2008
44
Thank you Joe for making movies where we know people actually care about one another. We need more positive things in our life and helping one another is one sure way. I love your other movies dearly and watch them over and over! This is definitely an oscar nomination for both actors. Please keep making movies like these so that maybe it will affect someone, somewhere and they too will help someone else.
robbydoll on Oct 25, 2008
45
does anyone know the name of the song in the trailer? it sounds like boz scaggs but i can't find it anywhere
glen on Dec 18, 2008
46
One of the songs is Bach Cello Suite No.1 Prelude. There's another song mixed in played during the ending montage of the trailer. Does anyone know what that song is?
Dan on Feb 24, 2009
47
I believe this story is an interesting one. I think that what they're trying to do by giving this movie out is that, when you want to do something you love to do, just go for it ; no matter who, how or where you are. Im going to like this movie.
Ivan on Apr 19, 2009
48
#45 the first song in the trailer is "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - but obviously not in the original version
Kristian Kiehn Holst on Apr 27, 2009
49
Does anyone know what the name of the music that plays during the trailer is thank you?
Beth on Sep 2, 2009
50
There are two funky songs: the first, at the start of trailer, is "Higher ground" in the original version (Stevie Wonder). i would like to know the second.
FenderJazz'64 on Sep 21, 2009
51
The second is "Use me" in the original version (Bill Withers).
FenderJazz'64 on Sep 22, 2009
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