Solitary Man

Ben Kalmen, a successful but morally compromised former dental practice owner, faces the unraveling of his life and career. After a health scare forces him to confront his past indiscretions, including numerous affairs and questionable business practices, Ben attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter and salvage what remains of his reputation. The film follows his poignant and often darkly humorous journey as he navigates the consequences of his choices.

Solitary Man was generally met with positive reviews from critics, who largely praised Michael Douglas's central performance. Reviewers highlighted his nuanced portrayal of a flawed character, finding the film to be a compelling character study. While some found the narrative somewhat predictable, the overall consensus pointed to Douglas's commanding presence as the film's strongest asset.

• Michael Douglas delivers a career-defining performance as a deeply flawed protagonist.
• The film offers a sharp, darkly comedic look at mid-life crisis and the consequences of one's actions.
• While the story treads familiar ground, it remains engaging due to its strong character development and performances.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest appreciation for Michael Douglas's performance and the film's mature exploration of a man confronting his life's mistakes. Some viewers found it to be a thought-provoking, albeit somber, watch, while others felt it could have offered a more hopeful conclusion.

Michael Douglas was reportedly drawn to the role of Ben Kalmen because he felt the character's journey mirrored aspects of his own reflections on life and career choices.