Solitary Man

Solitary Man

Year: 2010

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Directors: Brian Koppelman, David Levien

DramaComedy

As car dealer Ben Kalmen's life spirals out of control, his hubris and reckless choices lead to a devastating downfall. Forced to abandon his lavish lifestyle for a humble flat, Ben must confront the consequences of his actions. But when he takes Jordan's daughter on a college tour in Boston, he may just find redemption and a chance to turn things around.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Solitary Man (2010)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Solitary Man (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film explores contemporary life, reflecting on modern issues surrounding aging, relationships, and self-destructive behavior. It addresses the challenges faced by individuals who struggle to come to terms with their past choices in a fast-paced society.

Location

New York, College Campus

The movie takes place primarily in New York, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture. Additionally, various scenes unfold on a college campus, which represents youth, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge.

🏙️ City 🎓 Education

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Main Characters – Solitary Man (2010)
Meet the key characters of Solitary Man (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ben Kalmen (Michael Douglas)

Ben is a former successful car dealer whose life unravels due to his reckless behavior and denial of aging. He struggles with relationships, particularly with his daughter and ex-wife, as he tries to navigate the consequences of his choices.

🧑‍💼 Businessman 🥳 Recklessness 💔 Family Struggles

Susan (Jenna Fischer)

Susan is Ben's daughter who ultimately distances herself from him due to his irresponsible behaviors. Her frustration with his choices reflects the emotional toll his decisions have taken on their family structure.

👩‍👧 Family 💔 Heartbreak 😡 Frustration

Nancy Kalmen (Susan Sarandon)

Nancy, Ben's ex-wife, is portrayed as a woman who has had enough of Ben's whims and poor choices. Her interactions with Ben illustrate a complicated history filled with love and disappointment.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Complexity 💔 Heartache 📅 Past

Daniel (Jesse Eisenberg)

Daniel is a young college student who looks up to Ben for wisdom. Their relationship reflects the generational gap and the lessons learned from Ben's reckless lifestyle.

🎓 Student 🧠 Impressionable 🌱 Growth

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Major Themes – Solitary Man (2010)
Explore the central themes of Solitary Man (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧓 Aging

A central theme of the film is the struggle with aging and the denial that comes with it. Ben's refusal to accept his mortality leads him down a path of self-destruction, highlighting the societal pressures to remain youthful and relevant.

❤️ Relationships

The movie delves into complex relationships, particularly the strained bonds between Ben and his family. His irresponsible behavior causes rifts with his daughter and ex-wife, demonstrating how personal choices can lead to familial discord.

💔 Consequences

Ben’s actions throughout the movie showcase the consequences of living irresponsibly. His habitual lying, affairs, and poor decision-making not only affect his own life but also ripple through the lives of those around him.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

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