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Parents' Guide to

Solitary Man

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Gripping drama about getting older has drinking, sex.

Movie R 2010 90 minutes
Solitary Man Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Ben Kalman's (Michael Douglas) life is coming apart. He's a persistent womanizer, a skilled manipulator, and a callous liar. His long-term marriage to Nancy (Susan Sarandon) is over; his beloved daughter's patience with him is wearing thin; he's recently sabotaged a successful and profitable Fortune 500 career; and he's in the final throes of self-destructing in his newest relationship. Grasping at what he is afraid are his last days of virility and power, Ben behaves badly and makes a series of devastatingly poor choices that send him even closer to the brink of disaster.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Michael Douglas seems to do his very best work when he's playing a heel (Wall Street, Wonder Boys), and that's very much the case here. He slips easily and vividly into the role of Ben Kalman, a perfect vehicle that plays to his strengths. The story doesn't break any new ground, but it's well told and includes standout supporting performances from top to bottom, with Danny DeVito in a rare dramatic role; Jenna Fischer revealing much more than she gets to show in her television work; and Jesse Eisenberg, who's fast becoming the go-to college wonder boy himself.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the acceptance of life's passages and aging. How does Hollywood and the cult of celebrity affect society's attitudes about growing older?

  • Ben Kalman doesn't show much integrity in many of his relationships. What price does he pay? How do you think the story would have changed if he had gotten away with his behavior?

  • The film's ending is ambiguous. Why do you think the filmmakers made that choice?

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