A Single Man [2009]

If you liked Colin Firth’s performance in Kings Speech, you will like this movie too. Based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man examines the life of man after a terrible personal loss. Set in the 1962. when homophobia was in full swing all around, it also deals with the issue of homosexuality. These two issues intertwine and create a complex environment in which Firth flourishes as a shy and reclusive man that has to deal with normal, everyday problems plus these two. Cinematography, costumes and camera-work have taken us back in time, and I enjoyed envisioning the life back then and the strange vibe that was in the air. Since this is a Tom Ford’s directorial debut he seems to have bright future in directing. It reminded me of American Graffiti and Dazed and Confused, two movies that also captured some past moments and the atmosphere that was present back then.

George Falconer, an English professor at a Los Angeles area college, decided to kill himself tonight. Still suffering from the death of his partner Jim, he sees nothing worth living for and his Webley revolver is ready. Going through his daily routine he remembers the good days with Jim, but what he doesn’t realize is that people around him also see that something is wrong. His neighbor Charley (Julianne Moore) also senses that George might need some help. What will happen at the end of the day is up to you to find out, enjoy.

Director: Tom Ford

Cast: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult, Matthew Goode, Ryan Simpkins, Keri Lynn Pratt

Fun Facts: In his acceptance speech when he won a BAFTA for Best Actor on 21 February 2010, Colin Firth revealed that he had been on the point of turning down the part and had the email to director Tom Ford in his outbox, waiting to be sent. Then a man arrived to repair his refrigerator and Firth reconsidered. He thanked “the fridge guy” in his speech.

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IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1315981/