Ramin Bahrani hasn’t reached his 35th birthday yet, but boy, can he make movies! His latest, effort as director and co-writer, "Goodbye, Solo," is a fascinating tale of two people, one looking at the end of his life and the other at a new beginning. It stars two unknown actors and a minimal cast, was shot in the unlikely movie location of Winston-Salem, N.C. and yet, is a compelling story.
It’s also on the minimalist side, with a small cast and no fancy special effects. But sensitive writing by Bahrani and Bahareh Azimi, plus some terrific acting from Souleymane Sy Sarane, as Solo, a taxi driver, and Red West as William, an older man battered by a lifetime of pain and difficulty, make this little movie a bright, well-polished gem.
West, a childhood friend of Elvis Presley who spent many years as his driver and bodyguard, is perfect as the sullen, taciturn man who wants to be left alone as he plans what appears to be his suicide. Sarane, a Senegal immigrant, is friendly as a puppy, chatting up the silent William, including him in his life, moving into a motel room with him, introducing him to the stepdaughter he so dearly loves, the absolutely charming Diana Franco Galindo.
Solo has ambition; he is studying for the exam to become a flight attendant, and while scornful, William serves as an occasional quiz-master, as does Alex, the stepdaughter.
Bahrani, also responsible for the excellent "Chop Shop," is far more interested in people than in the details of plot, and as the relationship between William and Solo continues, he peels the two men down to their cores, so we understand them, and their changes. "Goodbye, Solo," is an excellent little film.
Opens May 15 at the Tivoli.
-Joe
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Ramin, Solo and Red are going to be on Charlie Rose tonight too – should be interesting to see!