The Solitary Man
The Peter Pan syndrome is a pop-psychology determination that appeared in the 1970's. It has been found in men who exhibit socially immature behaviors of a psychological, social or sexual nature.Characteristics include irresponsibility, rebelliousness, anger, narcissism, dependency, manipulativeness, and the belief that he is beyond society's laws and norms. With this background, viewers are introduced to Michael Douglas in The Solitary Man, as the middle aged New Yorker and successful car dealer, Ben Kalmen, who through a series of bad choices loses his business as well as credibility with those important in his life.
Full of bluster and an outsized ego, Ben has a non-stop patter that he uses to advance business and sexual procedures to his advantage. As a classic example of the Peter Pan Syndrome, this amusing and earnest rogue, abandons his moral code to his satisfaction regardless of the consequences.
There are outstanding performances from Susan Sarandon as Ben's wife Nancy, a successful realtor, who is fond of Ben but deeply aware of his array of faults. Special kudos go to Jenna Fisher as Ben's daughter, Susan who rides wave after wave of frustrations and disappointments with her father, until she cuts off all communication.
Playing his girlfriend Jordan, who has a powerful and rich father who can put Ben back on his feet in the car business is Mary Louise Parker. Ben succumbs to the risk of bedding her daughter Allyson ( Imogen Poots) and this revelation initiates his downward spiral. When Jordan learns of this behavior, she lets loose serious consequences that are life-threatening to Ben. Not content with this sexual encounter, Ben snares one of his daughter's friends in his lair, leaving Susan outraged and disgusted. Another attempted conquest is shut down by the girlfriend of a student who has come to admire Ben.She exposes him for the lout he is.
All this sexual, social, emotional and commercial philandering leaves the viewer wanting to leap out of the seat and holler, "Don't you get it?" With Ben Kalmen you can't count on it.
Michael Douglas gives an amazing performance in this role. One particular scene is impressive. After an examination with the doctor, Ben is given some bad news about his health. Up to that moment he has been robust, colorful, energetic and full of life. Receiving this news Michael Douglas, pales, then almost melts into himself, abandoning the strong vibrant character he's presented up to this point.
A lousy friend, an intemperate father and grandfather, lacking any ability to be humble, there's not a lot to like about Ben.But still he endures to what end we don't know. Check out "The Lady and the Tiger"for a clue.
