A Single Man (2009)

Tom Ford's film A Single Man is as beautiful as his clothes, both are sharp, well made with the best materials and unforgettable to the viewer.

Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man is set in LA in the 60s. Colin Firth is the grim George Falconer, a gay english professor, mourning the loss of his long-term partner Jim(Matthew Goode). He can no longer connect with others, not his students, friends or neighbours, with the exception of student Kenny(Nicholas Hoult). In the space of a day we see Kenny and George bond, proving that to truly connect with someone is what makes life worth living.

To George the world has become a dull grey, only occasionally punctuated with a warm light. When he sees youth or beauty we step out his dismal view and are bathed in this glowing sunlight, only to be pulled back into this colourless reality George has found himself in. Firth seems to only be getting better as an actor(although to me he will always be Mr Darcy), he's fantastic as the buttoned-up George.

My only issue with the film is that it's almost too beautiful and that makes it almost unrealistic. It's just too darn perfect, Ford releases the beauty in everything, there is not one shot in this movie that doesn't look amazing. I'm certain suburban LA in the 60s would have had its ugly side, especially for an older gay man. I think you see the ugly side of it all in Charley(Julianne Moore), George's close friend who doesn't consider what George had with Jim to be a real relationship. She's narcissistic, selfish and if I could smell her, I would say she probably reeks of gin. But even she is beautiful in a sad, drunken, pitiful way. You feel kind of sorry for her, she loves George more than he could ever love her.

What also makes the film so beautiful is the lovely style of the 60s which has been recreated by the team who also work on the wonderful TV series Mad Men(if i could recommend one TV show this is it, it's actually perfect, and John Hamm is just...whoa). All this beauty clash

es with the horrible opinions held in those times about minorities, especially homosexuals. George feels he has to play a part, as I'm sure many men had felt that way at that time(and some still do now, sadly). And all this style does have some substance attached to it, the film deals well with George's hidden sexuality and his grief.

The fact that this is Tom Ford's debut in the director's chair is amazing, there is this attention to detail in this movie that even a seasoned pro might overlook. I can only hope he goes back to directing soon(also that he keeps dressing Collin Firth because right now that man is looking real sharp). All in all, A Single Man is a touching film about grief and a need to have meaningful connections with others.

Since tomorrow(also today since it's about 1.30am now) is Saturday, I think only special films should get played (it is the weekend after all). That's why I'm introducing 'Director of the Week', a chance to look at the work of some real awesome visionaries who have influenced the work of others, not just in film but in other arts as well. So stay tuned for the first official 'Dorector of the Week'.

See ya later alligator xox