
Solitary Man
2009, Drama/Comedy, 1h 29m
99 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Built around a singularly unpleasant main character, Solitary Man needed a flawless central performance to succeed -- and Michael Douglas delivers. Read critic reviews
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Cast & Crew
Ben
Jordan
Susan
Cheston
Allyson
Pete Hartofilis
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Critic Reviews for Solitary Man
All Critics (99) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (77) | Rotten (22)
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The film begins and ends with scenes of acute existential reflection, a state actors rarely convey convincingly-least of all in a contemporary American film.
November 13, 2013 | Full Review… -
Koppelmans script is awash in phony scenarios.
October 12, 2010 | Rating: C | Full Review… -
A terrific turn by Douglas, and strong support, elevates this character-driven drama above its unlikeable protagonist.
October 8, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
It's a fascinating character study isolated within a mediocre film.
July 2, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Yet more proof that Michael Douglas can do anything he pleases so long as he's playing a jerk.
July 2, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Nobody does oily like Michael Douglas.
July 1, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Solitary Man
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Mar 20, 2013Not as bad as some viewers have claimed, Solitary Man gives Michael Douglas material that he seems to have mastered lately - the aging man who seeks to continue to act like someone in his twenties and who rebels at any notion of acting his age.John B Super Reviewer
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Jan 03, 2012It wasn't bad, but there was nothing about it that I enjoyed. It was mediocre and somewhat boring.Sarah P Super Reviewer
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Sep 20, 2011In Solitary Man, Michael Douglas once again plays the ultra smooth, shark of a man... a man's man type character that he took for a spin in Wall St. This guy has his own view of the world (a rather myopic one, to be sure), and therefore can look anyone in the eye and apologize for nothing. That his outlook causes a fall of Learian proportions... well, he's not going to apologize for that either! The film has a tight script and some fine performances, including Mary Louise Parker, Danny DiVito, and Susan Surandon (who has the Herculean task of playing a sympathetic ex wife who, in spite of numerous infidelities and the king's ransom that Douglas lost, still loves and admires her man). In the final scene of resolution, Surandon tries her best to be natural, but the lines she has to utter... well, it's almost like she's the straight man, allowing Douglas to riff, and therefore explain through a simple incident, his own brand of megalomania. There seems to be a certain admiration towards this man whose credo seems to be, take a chance and doors will open; to the point where DiVito, happily married for 30 years still living where he grew up, tells Douglas that he was not alone when he was put on the cover of Forbes Magazine (in other words, DiVito was practicing hero worship and living vicariously through Douglas' exploits). I really don't know if this is the message of this film, or if one was even intended, but it certainly entertains, so just sit back and watch Douglas in fine form - a flawed character that you have no business rooting for, and yet, due to Douglas' charisma, you end up rooting for in spite of yourself.paul s Super Reviewer
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Aug 05, 2011Douglas is one of the veteran actor I respect the most, and this movie is why.Mesh B Super Reviewer
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