Solitary Man

Solitary Man

Year: 2010

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Directors: Brian Koppelman, David Levien

DramaComedy

Ben Kalmen is a successful car dealer whose life takes a dramatic turn, leading to a devastating downfall fueled by his own hubris and reckless decisions. Stripped of his lavish lifestyle, he's forced to adjust to a more modest existence and face the consequences of his past choices. While navigating this new reality, he unexpectedly takes Jordan’s daughter on a college tour in Boston, and the experience offers him a chance at redemption and a potential path towards rebuilding his life.

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

Unlock the Full Story of Solitary Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore Solitary Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Solitary Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Solitary Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Solitary Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Solitary Man Summary

Solitary Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of Solitary Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Solitary Man Timeline

More About Solitary Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Solitary Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Solitary Man

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