The Soloist https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1010658 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:43:18 GMT Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:04:33 GMT Copyright © 2014 Chi Sigma Iota The Soloist https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1010658 https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1010658 The Soloist

Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
The Soloist

Reviewer:
Danielle Richards

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Parental Guidance

Age Range Explained:
Some material might not be suitable for those under 13.

Subject Headings:
Homelessness, Personality disorders, Social justice

Review:
In 2005, Los Angeles columnist, Steve Lopez wrote a series of articles about Nathaniel Ayers. Nathaniel Ayers was considered a musical prodigy as a child and a dedicated musician who went on to study the cello at the prestigious school Julliard. When he and Lopez meet Ayers is homeless, schizophrenic, playing a two string violin on Skid Row. The Soloist was inspired by the true story of the friendship that emerged between these two men.

 

The Soloist is significant because it humanizes individuals suffering with schizophrenia. In addition, it explores the challenges of governmental mental health programs for the homeless. The movie has the potential to raise public awareness and facilitate social justice movement around these issues. NAMI has recently organized an internet social action campaign around the movie and there are currently many web-resources available to connect public mental health education to the film. The Soloist could be used as a resource for psycho-educational group leaders and community mental health outreach workers who wish to facilitate discussion of community mental health issues.


Originally posted on 5/7/2010 at csi-net.org

 


]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2014 19:04:33 GMT