Iffy for 16+
Gripping drama about getting older has drinking, sex.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is an adult movie with mature themes, lots of sexual discussion and some sexual, and a leading character who, in an effort to delay aging and mortality, obsessses about his appeal and sexual prowess, targeting women of all ages. In one scene, he takes on a male college student in a fist fight, and then later is brutally beaten by a hired thug. Alcoholic beverages are frequently consumed at social gatherings, dinners, etc., sometimes by underage drinkers. One scene depicts the film's hero as very drunk.
- 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 is dishonest 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: Acceptance of life's passages is crucial to aging with dignity, self-awareness, and trustworthiness ("You can't cheat death)." There are severe consequences for bad behavior and irresponsibility; and yet family and friends may offer a second chance. It takes courage to admit mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
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Role models: Lead character starts out as a self-indulgent, dishonest scam artist. He pays dearly for his corrupted soul and finally sees the error of his ways. Other family members are shown to be good parents and good friends: honorable, loyal, and forgiving.
What to watch for
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Violence: One brief tussle and fist fight between the mature hero and a college student. The hero is later subjected to a brutal beating by a hired thug.
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Sex: Lots of frank discussion throughout the film about sexuality and the various characters' sexual experiences. Main character (identified as 60 years old) leers and flirts with women of all ages continually; for a time he focuses on an 18-year-old girl. There are multiple scenes of undressing, some sexual foreplay, passionate embracing, partial nudity, and post-sexual cuddling. A college party shows students making out.
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Language: Occasional swearing: "f--k," "hell," "ass," "asshole," "d--kwad," "sh--," "crap, "get you off," "balls, and more.
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Consumerism: Jeep, Apple Computer, BMW.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Many scenes include social drinking: dinner, parties, etc. and some underage drinking, including at a college event. Lead character gets very drunk on one occasion.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Solitary Man by lkittredge
It is difficult to like this movie because of its unlikable characters. As a female viewer, I found myself wishing that Ben would die in a way that would evoke no sympathy from anyone. Just get it over with.The film will remind some viewers of Mfr. Douglas' role in Fatal Attraction where he again, played a weak man who put his family and friends through hell.
A terrific supporting cast behind Mr.Douglas' solid performance makes the film worth watching. Kudos to the director who did a marvelous job in giving Ben an option for salvation without taking the high road, or giving the character an easy way out.
Definitely, an adult film that will appeal to audiences who can identify with making poor choices and their inevitable consequences.
5
A classic movie with A+ Actors! by lizbizs
This was a great movie! The depth of the characters was beautifully shown by these A-list actors. Michael Douglas in particular has never played a better role. It's a great date-night movie and is a great discussion piece as well.
4
Solitary Man: A Good Character Study by sjr
I went to see this movie becuase it appeared to have more substance than all the shoot 'em, up, blow 'em, special-effects-driven stuff that Hollywood seems to be thriving on these days. And I have to say it didn't disappoint. This is a film that thinking adults will enjoy.
Ben Kelman, the character played by Michael Douglas, is a truly screwed up individual. He's not someone you symphathize with, but he's interesting nonetheless. It's also interesting watching the impact his continual screwups have on the people around him, many of whom actually care about him and wish he would get it together. If you know someone who has the potential to do great things in life--but simply can seem to capitlize on that potential for whatever reason--this movie will resonate with you. If you long for a movie with a real story and real characters, you will enjoy it as well.
4
solitary man by rubberman
no one can cheat death. In this well done character study, even michael douglas cannot pull off the stunt-or can he? enjoyed the ambiguity at the end. But please, have danny devito work his accent to reflect his alledged locale, not his Philly upbringing. just a minor distraction though.
devito's lines, especially about how he stays faithful to his wife of 34 years should ring true with happily married middle aged men. unfortunately they don't.
all in all well done, sardonic, and ,yes, painful at times. But 4 1/2 *.
3
ok but unwatchable by changemonger
if you're into squirming through 90 minutes this is the movie to see. Michael Douglas turns in a very good performance, which when combined with his face lift, really makes you wince. but if you want some redemption or at least an ending that is not a TOTAL cop out on the part of the filmmakers, steer clear.
5
Pefect vehicle for michael douglas by birac
Not a fun movie.We are true Douglas fans and went only for this reason.Definitely went beyond expectations.If you don't need to be uplifted by your moviegoing experience,check it out. otherwise,you might feel better waiting for dvd,netflix whatever. Strong and true flick.