The Soloist is written by Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich) and directed by Joe Wright (Atonement), and tells the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (played by Foxx), a musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia during his second year at Juilliard School. Ayers became homeless, playing the violin and the cello in the streets of downtown Los Angeles. Robert Downey, Jr. plays Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who developed a friendship while writing an article about Ayers. Catherine Keener and Stephen Root co-star.

Robert Downey, Jr. has been making movies for forever but it seems people are just now realizing he’s a good actor. I find it hard to understand why everyone sees him in Iron Man and all of a sudden realizes he can act when he’s done some great work over the past 20+ years (including an Oscar nomination for Chaplin).

In the USA Today article, Downey actually had to say:

“I’ve loved every part of Iron Man,” says Downey, who will reprise his role in the comic book sequel, out in 2009. “But the last thing you want is to be seen as that guy, who just does that role.”

Whoever thought that Robert Downey, Jr. would be in danger of being labeled that guy? He’s done so many off the wall parts that most people in the industry thought it was weird when he actually got the part in Iron Man.

At any rate, Downey’s career is on a whole new path now and he’s at a level that he’s never enjoyed before thanks to the success of Iron Man. If he can stay clean I think he’s got a real shot at enjoying another 20+ years of fantastic film roles. Jamie Foxx, I’m not too sure about.

You can still read the LA Times article that became the basis for The Soloist right here.

The Soloist is scheduled to hit theaters on November 21, 2008 (just in time for awards season).

The plot synopsis reads:

“This,� said Prosecutor Leroy New, “has been the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana;� the first crime of child abuse that broke through reticence and denial to register with the public. In Tommy O’Haver’s heartbreaking and hard-hitting film, AN AMERICAN CRIME, Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener portrays Gertrude Baniszewski, the seemingly ordinary housewife who imprisons and tortures a beautiful teenager, played by Gemini Award winner Ellen Page, in the basement of her house – two portrayals that will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theatre. AN AMERICAN CRIME, which also stars James Franco and Bradley Whitford, was produced by First Look Studios and Killer Films/John Wells.

From what I understand, this movie is on Showtime.