The Soloist

As I watched The Soloist I tried to understand what it was about.  Was this a movie about the difference in societal class?  Was this a movie about the underbelly of society and homelessness?  Was it a movie about a struggling artist? About the struggling professional?  Or was it a movie about finding oneself and personal redemption? As I soaked in this wonderful film, completely intrigued by how it would play itself out, I continued to ask myself what specifically was this film touching on.  I could feel the film’s power and I knew there was a message to be taken home, but what was it?  I watched and watched and in the final scene, that final handshake between two friends I realized the strength of this film; for it is all of those above things, poignantly touching on each and everyone of those themes but most of all The Soloist is a film about friendship.

The Soloist is very simply written.  Robert Downey Jr. plays Steve Lopez, a respected and popular columnist for the Los Angeles Times.  He is searching for a story and as he sits in a local parkade he hears some beautiful music.  He goes to explore where the sound is coming from and he meets Nathaniel Thomas Ayres, played by Jamie Foxx.  Mr. Ayres is homeless and quite surprisingly making the beautiful music on a two stringed violin.  Some stock rambling from a homeless man and some polite response from Mr. Lopez seems to be all there is; but, as Mr. Lopez turns to walk away Mr. Ayres rambles that he once attended Julliard.  This simple statement, once verified, completely intrigues Mr. Lopez and he decides to write Mr. Ayres’s story.  As he gathers information and talks to Mr. Ayres both character’s lives are profoundly changed and they discover a true friendship.

This film has all the aspects to make it a great contender for Oscar consideration.  The story, as mentioned above is very simple in its dialogue. So simple that its power and where it takes you creeps up and gently wraps its arms around you.  This straight forward story is pleasantly surprising in an era of film that often force messages down the viewer’s throat.  The cinematography is truly brilliant.  Shots that paint pictures and draw us into them.  It is, simply stated, beautiful.  The cast are all quite exceptional.  This is a dialogue film where characters just talk to each other and while other actors may throw so much of this away, Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, and Catherine Keener find the beats that make this dialogue hit home. Finally, laying underneath this already very carefully layered script is a stunning classical soundtrack which ties everything together.  These elements combined create a full and detailed picture which deserves recognition in the highest regard.

There are no explosions, no car chases, no Hollywood special effects to this film and it does not need them. This film carries its viewer from the meeting of two people to the point when they realize their intricate involvement in each other’s life.  The film opens a secret window and lets us watch this journey happen.  It is beautiful to see this true slice of life and simply remember that little things amount to great things.    

One Eleven Yorkville: Champagne, Oysters, Caviar

I think the name and location say it all. It is Yorkville and they serve champagne, oysters and caviar. Of course just because you have the location and a swanky menu doesn't mean you have it all, you still have to do it right and One Eleven has done it right.

Atmosphere is one of the key elements if you want people to continually come back to your establishment.  From the waterfall flowing beside the stairs as you descend into the restaurant and the unique art deco inside One Eleven creates a relaxing gathering place.  This small underground space has a max capacity of sixty people; however, the dark colours, mirrored walls and dim lighting play tricks on your perception making the place feel much larger than it is. In addition to this perception trickery, there is a vertical column of bubbling blue "water" in the center of the room which helps create the artificial feeling of semi private quarters to the restaurant.  This artificial feeling offered our group a sense of intimacy and seclusion from those around us.  In contrast to this privacy and intimacy,  the venue is  small enough to feel comfortable mingling  with the rest of the crowd.  There is often live music in the background and the Tuesday night I was there the vocal stylings of Mike Ferfolia (www.ferfolia.net) added a kick to the atmosphere making it feel a little bit more like a party.  Using a number of classics from the seventies he united the crowd with the common theme of his voice but did not overpower the room so that we could enjoy our meals and friends.  The atmosphere alone is enough for me to recommend you go and check out One Eleven Yorkville; however, they enticed me for a return trip with a wonderful meal.

We were celebrating a birthday so the chefs prepared a special three course meal and paired it with wine.  I cannot speak for their regular menu but I can suggest based on what we received and what they specialize in, just about anything on a plate would make you melt.  Our meal consisted of a mixed green salad with vinagrette, roast chicken on a bed of asparagus and blackened potatoes, followed by a baked fruit crisp, all paired with  a wonderful french wine.  Each aspect of the meal, almost literally melted in my mouth, everything was perfectly tender and full of flavor.  It is one of the best meals I have experienced in a long time.   

Great food, elegant upscale styling, and good entertainment provide a combination of excellence for this small intimate space in Yorkville.  If you have not been there yet stop in and see for yourself.  One Eleven Yorkville has done it right.