In 2006, the first members of the baby boom generation, the wealthiest and best educated age cohort the world has ever known, began turning 60. For many of them, it's been a bit of a shock to realize how old they have become. For most, it signals a time to come to terms with the reality of death and to sort out priorities for the future. But for others, turning 60 is just another meaningless marker since they view themselves, in Bob Dylan's phrase as "forever young." Such is the case with Ben Kalmen (Michael Douglas), a New Yorker and former successful car dealer. Six and one-half years ago, he learned form his doctor that his heart was malfunctioning and that he needed to change his lifestyle. That advice sent Ben fleeing out the door.

Now at 60, this fast-talking and self-centered wheeler-dealer is trying to set up an auto business since he blew his first one years ago due to corporate malfeasance. In addition, his sexual addiction ended his marriage to Nancy (Susan Sarandon), his college sweetheart. Now Ben is wearing out his welcome with his daughter Susan (Jenna Fischer) who has always gotten along with him. When he misses her son's birthday party, she blows up and lets loose a barrage of criticism focused on his selfishness and irresponsibility. Ben wonders what is happening as things keep going badly for him.

He decides to take a break and help out his girlfriend Jordan (Mary-Louise Parker) whose daughter Allyson (Imogen Poots) wants to attend his alma mater. Ben knows the dean and is able to pave the way for her. But his sexual addiction surfaces when he gives her some advice on intercourse and they both get turned on and end up sleeping together. Things go from bad to worse when Ben can't keep his apartment, the big deal falls through, Allyson tells her mother, and she breaks off with him. In desperation, Ben turns to an old school buddy (Danny DeVito) who runs an eatery on campus. He stays in a spare room and takes a job working as a cook and waiter. Can Ben rise again or is he doomed to a future with no friends, family, or expansive dreams?

Solitary Man is written by Brian Koppleman who also directs the movie with David Levien. In America, 100 hundred boomers turn 60 every 13 minutes. But the soul-searching that many of them go through as they face their mortality is a quest that never occurs to Ben. His sexual addiction and his constant need to win the approval of others devour all his available mental and physical energies. The literate screenplay beautifully conveys the isolation that results from Ben's narcissism. Even a sophomore Cheston (Jesse Eisenberg) and his girlfriend (Olivia Thirlby) can see through him when he tries to pull them apart.

Michael Douglas puts in a stellar performance as Ben and Jenna Fisher, Imogen Poots, and Danny DeVito bring color and verve to their characters. Death, when avoided, is a real party and deal breaker.


Special features include a commentary featuring writer/directors David Levien and Brian Koppelman, deleted/extended scenes, and a featurette on the making of the movie.