Solitary Man (film)

Solitary Man is a 2009 American comedy-drama film directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, starring Michael Douglas. The film centers on Ben Kalmen, a successful New York City car dealer whose life unravels due to a combination of his own bad decisions and a health scare.

The story follows Kalmen as he navigates the consequences of his infidelity and questionable business practices. After being diagnosed with a heart condition (which later proves to be a misdiagnosis), he begins engaging in increasingly reckless behavior, including having an affair with the daughter of a college dean who is considering hiring him. This ultimately leads to further personal and professional setbacks.

The film explores themes of aging, regret, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. It features a supporting cast including Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jesse Eisenberg. While initially receiving mixed reviews, Michael Douglas' performance was widely praised.