When I see the name Joe Wright, the first thought that comes into my mind is “Event Film”. It started with Pride & Prejudice which Wright made his own even though he had the odds stacked high in front of him. Can anything really be as good as the BBC version? Likely not but Wright’s attempt was great in its own way.
Then there was last year’s Atonement, a film which some people felt was undeservedly well praised and though I agree that it’s not perfect, it’s difficult to dispute Wright’s talent. Though both films have been both critical and box office successes, his name isn’t exactly “household” but that may all be about to change.
The Soloist stars Jamie Foxx as a talented Celloist living on the streets, and man of the moment Robert Downey Jr. as a reporter who meets the talented player and sees an opportunity for a story. Catherine Keener also makes an appearance though it’s not quite clear how large her role is.
It’s a bit odd seeing the modern world through Wright’s camera, mostly because I’m so used to the period pieces, but the trailer suggests that it’s the same Joe Wright (it features a few of his key trademarks – sweeping camera movements and a lingering on faces). At the moment, this is my most anticipated film of the year (right up there with Blindness).
The Soloist opens November 21st.
Trailer is tucked under the seat!
Gorgeous. Both visually and aurally. Let’s be honest though, you had me at Joe Wright. Add RDJ and I might have to go change my shorts.
Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic….simply fantastic.
I’ve been meaning to catch up with Atonement again recently. I purchased the DVD right away but just haven’t found the time yet. I have a feeling it won’t be quite as impactful as it was the first time.
I’m not so sure. I saw it twice on the big screen and have seen it since on DVD (though not recently). Agreed it doesn’t have quite the same gut punch – mostly because you already know the ending – but it still holds really well and is beautiful to watch. I still prefer Pride & Prejudice but that’s mostly due to personal taste.
I liked Atonement very much, didn’t love it and to be honest it’s a bit overrated imo but still well worth the watch. Knightley isn’t horrible (she usually is, or perhaps I’m saying that because I don’t care for her as an actress) but McAvoy is outstanding. And yeah that ending is extremely well done.
I agree that Knightley is good here but she’s not a horrible actress. Don’t get me wrong – she’s had her blank moments but she’s solid even when the movies suck. I’m not a big fan of Domino but I liked her in the film and I thought she was quite good in the first Pirates movie though she really bit the bullet with the last two (may have something to do with where they took the story as well). She seems to be getting better with each picture and it sounds like she does a good job with the upcoming “The Duchess”.
As for McAvoy – he’s really good here but he too has had his share of shite.
As for the movie itself, as with movie that get a lot of critical attention and praise, people tend to put it down to stand out. Not sure that’s a fair claim here but I find it difficult to believe that anyone could see the film and not be moved in some way – either by the story, the ending or the technicality behind it.
Like I said it’s probably just my dislike for her as an actress in general. I mean I didn’t mind her in Domino (a movie I quite like unlike most people) but she’s unbearably wooden in the Pirates movies and to me she just is too the same all the time.
gush gush gush I love RDJ gush gush gush this is going to be great gush gush gush
ROFLMAO!!!
RDJ + Joe Wright = High Anticipation
On the flip side, now we know where RDJ’s horrid haircut at the IRON MAN premieres came from.