Cast: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult
Director: Tom Ford
Fashion designer Tom Ford makes his directing debut with A Single Man, a somber adaptation of Christopher Isherwood's novel, in which Colin Firth stars as George Falconer, an English professor living in Los Angeles, struggling to come to terms with the death of his gay partner in a car crash.
Set in the early sixties when the attitude towards homosexuality was very different from what it is today, the film focuses on George as he contemplates whether life is worth living without his lover. We watch as George buys bullets for an old revolver lying in his desk, and tries to work out a way to blow his brains out without making a mess.
Ford's film is an intimate piece whose events are few, but whose emotional power is hard to put into words. Trapped in grief and solitude, but unable to mourn his partner's death openly, George is filmed in tight close-ups for the most part.
One of the film's most touching scenes comes early on, when George hears about his lover's death, but is informed that he will not be welcome at the funeral, which is for family only. "Of course," he responds understandingly. His demeanor at that moment conveys little, but you know there is immeasurable hurt in those words.
The film is enveloped in a sense of suspense - will George kill himself after all? It's hard to tell, considering the day has thrown up so many reasons to live - the attentions of a handsome young male student (played by Nicholas Hoult), and an enjoyable dinner with alcoholic best friend (played by Julianne Moore). Commendably, the film never cops out with a sentimental, schmaltzy ending, going instead for one that is unpredictable and oddly comforting.
Aside from Firth's extraordinary centerpiece performance, A Single Man is worth your time because it's the most stunning film in recent memory. Not surprising, considering the director has spent over a decade in fashion design. The film's moody lighting, its elegant frames, and the overall styling looks straight out of a fashion magazine photo-shoot, but to be fair, there's a real beating heart at the centre of Ford's film.
If A Single Man feels morbid and suffocating occasionally, that's part of the film's design; and it's to Colin Firth's credit that he holds the film together with a performance so delicate and dignified that you feel a surge of empathy for George, but you never pity him.
I'm going with four out of five for Tom Ford's A Single Man. The film is unlikely to appeal to all; it requires patience, and an open heart above all things. If you give it a chance, more than likely it'll remain in your head for days.
Rating: 4 / 5
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