This movie is the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musical prodigy that developed schizophrenia and went homeless. I play him as a child and Jamie Foxx plays him as an adult. Since we play the same character, we didn't share any scenes, but we spent a lot of time working together to match the character's mannerisms. Both Jamie and Robert Downey Jr., who plays a reporter, are hilarious, nice guys. Jamie and I also had a chance to meet Nathaniel Ayers, so we could see what he was really like.
My physical change was more than just mannerisms. Nathaniel had a big gap in his teeth and a part down his hair, so I had to wear prosthetic teeth and grow my hair out so I could have a thick part straight down the middle.
I also had to learn to play the cello and some violin. For the audition, the casting director was only seeing actors who could play the violin. I really wanted the role, so I took two days of seven hour sessions and ended up learning Beethoven's 3rd symphony. After I got the role, I took four months of cello training and I did pretty well with it. It's a great instrument, and WAY harder than it looks. I respect classical music more now, and if my schedule wasn't so hectic, I might spend more time with it.
One of the most moving scenes is when the Cleveland riots are going on outside of Nathaniel's house and the first thing he does is go to his cello to drown it out. It's like his cello is his getaway from all of the violence and mess that's going on around him.
Justin Martin the Soloist Trailer
"The Soloist"
"The Soloist" is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia. Eventually becoming homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, Ayers played the violin and cello while dreaming of playing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Robert Downey Jr. plays a Los Angeles Times reporter who befriends the musician, and Catherine Keener plays Downey's editor. Justin Martin portrays the young Nathanial Ayers.
The release date is April 24, 2009.
