After seeing the previews for the movie “The Soloist” starring (my main man) Robert Downey Jr., I had high hopes for a movie about the power of music and unexpected friendships… but the flick didn’t really deliver.
My mom was recommended an indie film called “The Visitor” and got what the Soloist had the potential to deliver plus way, way more on a scale much deeper than I expected.
I dare the haters of illegal immigrants to watch this movie.
Disclaimer: not a movie if you are in the mood for something with a picture-perfect happy ending.
I am basically writing this to tell people to watch it. The premise is about an intellectual, widowed, square college professor / author who lives a structured life and how his world changes when he finds a couple (a man from Syria, a woman from Senegal) living in his second home while he was away. A friendship forms and the main character, Walter (pictured left) is inspired to learn the djembe from his new found friend, Tarek. I don’t want this to be a spoiler so will just mention what I got from the flick. The movie humanizes the story of immigrants, explores identity, exposes the journey of re-connecting with one’s emotions, and the importance of connections in life. (I also want to add I was a fan of the music, me being a sucker for beats. Music ties the movie together, showing the power and inspiration of music and community). It’s not a film with a happy ending, but I found myself so invested in the characters’ stories that I wasn’t upset when that happy ending never came. I felt exposed to the world and challenged. Great film.
