Review of Solitary Man (2009) by Brandon H — 26 Dec 2010

Excellent performance by Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, and a great cast of characters! Although he is not as good as Gordon Gekko on this one, let's remember its a different plot and storyline. Douglas plays Ben Kalmen who once held a thriving career, beautiful family and a luxury apt in Manhattan. Unfortunately his irresistible charm that got him to the top also causes his demise. He cheated in his bookkeeping, cheated on his wife, went through divorce and legal trouble and now finds himself halfway to the bottom and tempted to keep on drifting downward.

Let's face it, the man is a liar, cynic, compulsive womanizer and all-around jerk â" makes no apologies for his behavior, and âSolitary Manâ? presents him in a remarkably evenhanded way, refusing to celebrate, to excuse or to judge his behavior. At the end he has to make a choice but its left to interpretation. I think this is a very good film, an engaging and provocative look at life, love and the choices we make. Recommended!!