Michael Douglas matures

By Sam Watermeier

There’s a scene in the thriller, "Disclosure," that sums up Michael Douglas’ career. After he is sexually harassed by a female superior of his workplace, his wife questions his struggle to defend himself. With an edge of anger, he replies, “When did I have the power?”

In that moment, you can’t help but feel as though you’re listening to Michael Douglas talk about his film roles. For years, he’s been dominated — or at least matched — by the female characters of his films. He lacks "the power" over them as well as a general sense of individuality.

That’s what makes the title of his new film — "Solitary Man" — so ironic. In honor of the recent release of this film, let’s take a look back at Michael Douglas’ most iconic film roles and see how he became the independent spirit he is today.

For most of his film career, Douglas was the kind of hero who didn’t act so much as get acted upon. In "Fatal Attraction," a woman he has an affair with becomes his obsessive stalker — the manifestation of his guilt. "Basic Instinct" similarly finds Douglas seduced by a murderous woman. He is victimized by women in "Disclosure" and "The War of the Roses" as well. For a large portion of his career, he was unable to exist without them.

You may think that "Wall Street’s" Gordon Gekko broke the mold, that he was the first individualistic character for Douglas. However, he is just another kind of victim. Instead of falling victim to women, he falls victim to greed and the system that creates it — the economy.

Douglas reprises this role in the upcoming "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps." However, he doesn’t play the victim this time around. In this sequel, Gekko seems to be redeeming himself, rebuilding his life from one of capitalistic greed to one of personal integrity.

Douglas’ last few characters have shared this sense of integrity. In 2000’s "Wonder Boys," he plays an author who breaks free from the rigid intellectual/academic community, choosing instead to live for fun. His character in "King of California" is an extension of that free, bohemian spirit — an eccentric man who sets off in search for lost treasure.

This brings us to Douglas’ latest film, "Solitary Man." Douglas plays a stubborn, womanizing businessman in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Instead of being put upon by women, he chooses to be with them. And instead of succumbing to greed, his character chooses a humble job over the world that once made him rich. Douglas also doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone. He carries the film with his sharp wit and tenderness. He is its heart and soul, proving he can function as a solitary man after all.