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| Movie Review: Solitary Man Alternate Title: Regrets, He Had a Few
Story: The anti-hero as protagonist
can go either way. The character can be so despicable and non-redemptive
that he is simply a cartoon. Or, as in this deft presentation by directors
David Levien and Brian Koppelman (written
by Mr. Koppelman) it can be a fine character study with great writing
and terrific performances. Ben Kalman personifies smarm.
He is a fallen car dealership mogul who once graced the cover of Forbes
Magazine. Via his own self-destructive path he managed in a short period
of time to ruin his family life and go from king of the world to a short
order cook. The film is a study of a family who is trying to cope with
Kalman's behavior as a compulsive womanizer, liar and all around creep
and a study of the man himself. Similar to Larry David's character on
Curb Your Enthusiasm we await just how the character will screw up the
next scene. He doesn't disappoint. He is consistently a train wreck. It is hard to believe that this mess of a man
can warrant any interest - but the fine acting and writing allow us
to slowly begin to care about what will happen to this mess of a life. Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baLqGFCZZrU Here's Neil Diamond singing Solitary Man from
1971: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rz92JWtS50 Acting: Michael Douglas as Ben Kalmen is perfect.
He has been playing this character for a long time and he does it very
well. Mary-Louise Parker as Jordan Karsch, the displeased
lady friend does the vindictive act to perfection. Jenna Fischer
as daughter, Susan Porter is sympathetic. Jesse Eisenberg
as student Daniel Cheston, has earnestness down pat. Imogen
Poots as Allyson Karsch is terrifically bitchy. Susan
Sarandon as ex-wife Nancy Kalmen plays an age appropriate woman
to a tee. Danny DeVito as longtime friend is really
a long time friend (see trivia below).
Trivia: Michael Douglas roomed with Danny
DeVito when first starting out. Michael is exactly 25 years
older than his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. The two of them share a birthday,
September 25th. He is of Russian-Jewish, Scottish, and Irish heritage.
Predilection: None
Critters: 0
Food: Birthday cake, diner food.
Sex Spectrum:
Blatant Product Placement: Apple computer, iPhone
Soundtrack: Solitary Man, written by Neil Diamond
and sung by Johnny Cash is a fine example of the soundtrack.
Opening Titles: A vignette showing Ben Kalman being
diagnosed by his doctor. Flash forward six years to present time with
the title, Solitary Man and song playing in the background. The rest
of the credits are at the end.
Visual Art: Rich people have nice homes.
Theater Audience: About 20 other people and us.
Weather: Unremarkable.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Predictability Level: High.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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