Here’s another film yet to receive a UK Blu-ray release, this one stars Michael Douglas as a solitary man. I’ve had to find and import a version that plays on UK players and requires you to change the language in the menu screen. So without further ado here’s my Solitary Man blu-ray review.
- Solitary Man (2009) Import
- Genre: Drama
- Directed by Brian Koppelman & David Levien
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 1
- Blu-ray Import
Plot
Ben Kalmen (Michael Douglas) used to be a highly successful car dealer that fell from grace having being involved in some dodgy business practices. Following his annual medical check-up his doctor advises him he requires a scan due to an irregularity in his EKG. Ben however is not one to deal with matters of his own mortality and decides to ignore this advise and instead goes to a bar and picks up the first woman he can for sex.
In fact Ben’s refusal to deal with his situation begins to drive away everyone that cares about him including his daughter. Will Ben finally face facts or will he continue to be a solitary man?
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Brian Koppelman & David Levien with the cinematography handled by Alwin H. Küchler.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Michael Penn.
Acting / Characters
This is Michael Douglas on top form as Ben a former car dealer. It’s a portrayal of a man that refuses to allow anyone close, even his family and best friend all of which results in an outstanding performance by Douglas. The support cast isn’t bad either with the likes of Danny DeVito and Susan Sarandon really elevating the film to another level.
Switching focus to the younger cast members and they also provide some interesting characters, all of which are played exceptionally well. Whether its Imogen Poots as the daughter of Ben’s most recent girlfriend or Jesse Eisenberg as the nerdy student. Oh and let’s not forget Jenna Fischer as Susan, Ben’s daughter she also well cast.
Films like these rely 100% on the story and the acting. Get it right and you are going to have something special and that’s exactly what we have with Solitary Man.
Cast
- Michael Douglas as Ben Kalmen
- Susan Sarandon as Nancy
- Danny DeVito as Jimmy
- Mary-Louise Parker as Jordan
- Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel
- Jenna Fischer as Susan
- Imogen Poots as Allyson
- Richard Schiff as Steve Heller
- Douglas McGrath as Dean Edward Giletson
- Bruce Altman as Dr. Steinberg
Conclusion: Solitary Man (2009) Film Review
I must admit I wasn’t really expecting too much from Solitary Man but that’s the great thing about movies you may begin with one perception and then realise it’s a completely different film to what you had expected.
Michael Douglas turns in a superb performance as man around 60 years old that is struggling to come to terms with the way in which people now view him. He was once as highly successful businessman whom fell from grace. Following this he struggles to find a place for himself and believes having one night stands with younger women will solve his problems. We of course know that won’t, but seeing his Douglas come to terms with the reality is compelling viewing. Add this one to your films to see list.
If you like my Solitary Man blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
- Beyond the Reach (2014) – Michael Douglas
- Hangman (2017) – Al Pacino
- Once Upon A Time In Venice (2017) – Bruce Willis
Conclusion: Solitary Man Blu-ray Review
The film’s from 2009 so as you might expect there are issues to report on the picture quality side of things. The only problem I have comes with the stupid decision not to give the UK a Bluray release only the lesser quality DVD instead. If like me that’s simply not acceptable you can of course find a foreign version and import it but make sure you ensure it will work on UK Bluray players.
Extras
- Making of Solitary Man (16 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Solitary Man (2009)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Solitary Man (2009) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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Solitary Man (2009) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes the Solitary Man blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on our Facebook page.
Summary: Solitary Man (2009) Blu-ray Review (Import)
Movie title: Solitary Man (2009)
Duration: 90 mins
Director(s): Brian Koppelman, David Levien
Actor(s): Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito, Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Jesse Eisenberg, Jenna Fischer, Imogen Poots
Genre: Drama
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
Summary
Michael Douglas is back to best as he plays a Solitary Man.
Pros
- Top Performance By Michael Douglas
- Good Story
- Great Support Cast
Cons
- Not Available On Blu-ray In The UK
