Pittsburg goes Hollywood

East Bay-native, and LA Times columnist, Steve Lopez's story hits the big screens this April.

Photo by Francois Duhamel

Steve Lopez (right) on the set with Robert Downey Jr.

When Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez first met Nathaniel Ayers, the homeless man was playing a two-stringed violin on the streets of L.A. Lopez's complex relationship with Ayers, a Juilliard-trained musician suffering from debilitating schizophrenia, led him to write a popular series of columns for the LA Times, and a critically acclaimed book, and now the story has been turned into a major motion picture starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. (who plays Lopez in the movie).

The Soloist debuts April 24, but first, the East Bay native brought the movie back home. Born and raised in Pittsburg, Lopez held an early screening at the local Brenden 16 Theaters for friends and family. The show was a hit with the crowd, and also served another purpose: an 80th birthday present for Lopez’s mother, Grace.

You’re an East Bay native right?
Born and raised in Pittsburg, lived there and in Concord before moving to San Jose until 1985, when I moved to Philadelphia.

Why did you decide to bring the movie back to Pittsburg for a private screening?
It was easier on my parents, given their age, than coming down to Los Angeles for the premier in April. Also, at a private screening in their hometown they could enjoy the movie with invited guests rather than being in a room full of strangers.

Was it nerve-wrecking to bring this personal story back home in front of old friends and family?
No, not really. It was nice to have the opportunity to re-connect with so many friends and family members.

How did the idea for The Soloist come about?
It began with a column. I was in downtown Los Angeles about four years ago and saw a man playing a violin that was missing two strings.

What drew you to the central character Nathaniel Ayers?
He sounded like a guy who'd had classical training, even though he was missing two strings. And he was living on skid row, with all his belongings in a shopping cart. When I found out he had been a student at New York's Juilliard School for the Performing Arts, I knew I had a story.

What has the process been like seeing your book turned into a Hollywood movie?
Surreal. I thought of it as nothing more than a newspaper column or two until readers began demanding to know more about Nathaniel and how he was doing. As I suffered successes and setbacks in trying to help him, the saga became pretty compelling. I was introduced to worlds I knew little about, and a friendship was evolving in the midst of all this. The irony is that he's done as much for me as I for him. I've learned about friendship, perseverance, courage, the power of art and music, and hope.

What is it like to see Robert Downey Jr. play yourself on the big screen?
It's strange, not because it's Robert Downey, but because I'm being represented at all in a movie. Each time I see the film (I've attended several screenings) I see new ways in which Downey has captured some part of me and my experience. His performance has more depth each time through, which is a measure of his immense talent.

How involved have you been in the movie process?
I wasn't on the set that much because my own schedule is too demanding. But I met with the director and actors early in the process, as well as spending a lot of time with the screenwriter. From that point on, the producer and I have been in constant contact. They've wanted the film to be authentic, and that has meant hundreds of phone calls, emails and visits.

From what I gather, the book’s take on mental illness and your interactions with and motivations for helping Ayers are very complicated. How has that complexity translated to the movie?
I think they did a great job addressing it without letting it get in the way of a compelling drama. The movie doesn't skirt the challenges and uncertanties of those battling mental illness, but the movie is entertaining, funny and filled with hope.

Have you seen the movie? Do you like it?
It's excellent. I'm very pleased with the work of cast and crew, and in particular, the work of the people who live with Nathaniel and play themselves in the film.

Do you still have a relationship with Ayers?
We're still pals. We talk on the phone and get together regularly. We go to concerts, ballgames, the beach, he comes to my house. He's a true friend. A challenging one, but a friend.

What did you take out of your experience with him?
That a simple human connection can change your life, and teach you humility and grace.