With the films About Schmidt and Everybody's Fine as his main point of reference, the author elucidates the complex and often melancholic sojourn that follows ordinary men's retirement from their jobs. As this usually occurs during late middle age, the complicating variable of spousal loss, departure of children from the family home, a failing body, and social marginalization also get added to the picture. The vicissitudes of the resulting intrapsychic and interpersonal upheaval can lead to depressive withdrawal or a renewed effort at finding meaning in life. Ego resilience is tested and sublimation and creativity, if possible, save the day.