The Soloist is a forthcoming American drama film directed by Joe Wright and written by Susannah Grant.

The film is based on a true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless.

Jamie Foxx portrays Nathaniel Ayers, who is considered a cello prodigy, and Robert Downey Jr.

portrays Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times columnist who discovers Ayers and writes about him in the newspaper.

Production of the film began in January 2008 and will be filmed mostly in Los Angeles.

The film was scheduled to be released on November 21, 2008, but has been delayed to March 13, 2009, and then to April 24, 2009.

Plot
The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia during his second year at Juilliard School.

Ayers becomes homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, playing the violin and the cello.

Directed by Joe Wright
Produced by
Gary Foster
Russ Krasnoff
Written by Susannah Grant

Cast
* Jamie Foxx as Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless. Foxx, who has been classically trained on the piano, is being taught stringed instruments by Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist Ben Hong for the role. Also, Foxx had chiseled his teeth in order to show a realistic appearance.
* Robert Downey Jr as Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who wrote about Nathaniel Ayers and developed a friendship with him.
* Catherine Keener as Steve Lopez’s editor at the Los Angeles Times.
* Tom Hollander as Peter Snyder, a Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist who attempts to rehabilitate Ayers.
* Lisa Gay Hamilton as Jennifer, a sister of Nathaniel Ayers.
* Rachael Harris as Steve Lopez’s co-worker.

Music by Dario Marianelli
Studio
Working Title Films
Participant Productions
Distributed by
DreamWorks Pictures (USA)
Universal Pictures (non-USA)
Release date(s)
April 24, 2009
September 11, 2009 (UK)
Country United States
Language English
Budget $60 million

Official Website: www.soloistmovie.com