Thursday, September 30, 2010

Solitary Man (2009)

Director(s): Brian Koppelman, David Levien. Cast: Michael Douglas, Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito, Mary-Louise Parker, Jenna Fischer, Jesse Eisenberg, Richard Schiff, Olivia Thirlby. 90 min. Rated R. Drama.

I'm usually suspicious of screenplays that appear written for a specific actor/actress (Jim Carrey has lots of them), and this is definitely a Michael Douglass vehicle. Needless to say, he does earn the honor, and I am a fan of the man's unique cinematic presence, but Douglass (and some good dialogue) are the movie's only saving grace. The film suffers from bad direction, as characters hurl lines at each other even before the other has a chance to finish their own. The directors think they've engineered an open-ended ending, while they already clumsily decide the ending on earlier repetitious scenes.

Mo says:

3 comments:

  1. Actually,beside the other great performances by him, I like especially such narcissistic, persuasive but attractive character which apparently has been made for him to act… Really fit for him! (same in Basic instinct, Fatal attraction & Disclosure)even at age of 60?! wow... never give up:-)
    seeing co-acting with Danny DeVito after many years was amazing too…Although I love such final that leaves audience in question but agree with you that prediction of the end , was NOT tough!along with the beautiful song of ” Solitary Man” by Johnny Cash in the beginning was very cool.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Spolier Alert!

    Dear Maryam,

    At least let me test myself: Which path do you think he'll take at the end? Back to his old fun-loving ways, ... or follow Sarandon and try to be a "good boy"?

    I thought he'll take the first option.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Exacttttly! No doubt about pick up the first option ! because there was no sign of any regret or changing mind and way in him shown already and I was sure that poor Sarandon had no choice but finally washing hand of him and forget having a good boy and go home alone!-)

    ReplyDelete