Movie: The Soloist

[Shakuhachi]

With Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. based on the book by journalist Steve Lopez, tells the story of the journalist trying to help a homeless musician who has schizophrenia. I thought it provided insight into the mental health issues of our day. Steve Lopez at first tries to fix Nathaniel, gets frustrated and finally learns that the best he can do is be a friend.

 

[christofirst]

Steve Lopez has written for the L.A. Times for many years, and while I don’t take the paper my mom reads his column whenever it appears. I felt a personal connection to that movie too because I used to work where several of the scenes were filmed, like Lower Grand Avenue in downtown L.A. We sometimes had to actually step over the homeless who were sleeping down there so we could enter the buildings.

Thinking of the homeless and mentally ill, I think of the L’Arche Communities founded by Jean Vanier. I don’t know all that much about them, but a documentary film was recently made. I wonder if they ever get hard cases like the troubled musician in the Soloist, people who resolutely refuse the kindness they offer and stubbornly prefer to live on the streets, despite all the dangers.

 

[Shakuhachi]

What was the name of that huge day shelter? Lamp? Amazing!!