Review of Solitary Man (2009) by Al D — 26 Jan 2011

Michael Douglas, best known for playing characters that are not exactly the pinnacle of morality, delivers yet another convincing performance in "Solitary Man." In this undiscovered gem of a character study, Douglas plays Ben Kalmen, a car dealership owner who used to be somewhat of a local celebrity. He was known around town as "the honest car dealer." However, a short doctor visit changes his life into a downward spiral of scams, womanizing, dishonesty, and alienation from his family.

He still remains in contact with his daughter (played wonderfully by Jenna Fischer from the Office) and ex-wife (played by Susan Surandon), but they keep him at a distance. Both obviously still care about him, but are well aware of his lying and selfish ways. His girlfriend is a woman with a powerful father in the car dealership industry. He sleeps with her to get a leg up in the business, but also finds company in an assortment of younger women, who he uses his charms to talk into bed and never speak to again. This lands him in trouble when one of these young women happens to be his girlfriend's daughter, and he loses all chances of re-entering the car sales business.

While being a complete jerk, Douglas is at his best. He makes you squirm in disgust at his behavior, but also shows glimmers of remorse. He walks the tightrope between the two so perfectly, that you can't help feeling sorry for him. You want him to succeed and turn his life around. The unconditional love shown to him by Ficher and Surandon, even in the face of his sleaziness, is quite touching. It creates a very strange family dynamic, where they almost accept the fact that he is putting on an "act," but can see through it and expect him to pop out of it at any time.

While there isn't much in terms of story here, the performances are great enough to keep this movie afloat. Danny DeVito is wonderful as Douglas' warm old college friend who takes him under his wing when nobody else will. There's really a tenderness in his unconditional friendship that sticks with you. Fischer, Surandon, and of course Douglas are all excellent and cast perfectly for their roles.

There is a sadness to this film, and sometimes it is hard to watch Kalmen struggle, even being as big of a jerk as he is. Its almost like throwing a disgusting looking spider into the toilet, only to feel a sting of pity as he is circling down the bowl and struggling to escape. By the end of the movie, you will be wishing the best for him, and realizing how important the people in your life that you care about are.