Set in California in 1962, George (played by the fine talents of Colin Firth) loses his long time lover, Jim (Matthew Goode), in a car accident, that see's George alone & questioning his own mortality , through his grief. As he prepares himself for his own execution, he goes back to a happier time with Jim. His falshbacks are vivid, thruthful & poignant. Through Georges eyes, and thoughts, we see his version of the world, his day-to-day buisness, and how he copes with the grief of losing someone he loves. By day he is a professor of English, guiding the young minds of the early 60's, and his influence becomes apparent to one student, Kenny Potter (played by the fantastic Nicholas Hault from "skins" fame), who becomes somewhat of a reminder of the values of life. His other link to life is in the form of his best friend Charley (Julianne Moore), who reminds us of a toxic mix of swinging 60's party girl, and hollywood housewife.
Moore gives one of the best performances of her career , a woman in love with a gay man, she once thought she had, but cannot let go of.This is not a "gay movie', yet it is a story of a gay man who loses the one thing that kept him alive, love. This movie takes you on the journey of George. You not only see his world, but this movie has the ability to make you feel for him .."It takes time in the morning for me to become George, time to adjust to what is expected of George and how he is to behave. By the time I have dressed and put the final layer of polish on the now slightly stiff but quite perfect George I know fully what part I'm suppose to play"... This is a simple insight to how George has detatched himself from the world, due to his overwhelming grief. George doesnt want to be here, but feels that his part has to be played for the comfort of others, in order to give a small amount of validity to a life,that in reality he actually doesnt want.
The script is an actors dream. Sharp, to the point, and extremely clever. Even when George reminds Charley that she .."once asked a bunch of lesbians in London, which one of you is hung like a dohnut..?", shows us that George is capable of so much, including humour. Yet at times, George is tortured ( [whispered] Just get through the goddamn day!!!), and we feel along with him. His sexuality is not a question, but a fact. And, especially for a man in 1962, its a bold statement to make. Its even acknowledged by 7 year old neighbour Jenny Skunk when she tells George her father .." says you're light in your loafers. But you're not even wearing any loafers.".. He takes her advice warmly.
Stylistically, this movie is flawless. The impeccable taste of Tom Ford is obvious, His use of warm colouring, grey shadowing & clever camera work, puts us "there" rather than making us mere spectators.Colouring is used to highlight emotions, with warm shades when there are glimpses of love in his life. This is a key element to why this movie works. Everything has been chosen for a reason. Set, clothes, jewelery... everything. This is how Ford works. His meticulous construction of a scene, is unseen from a first time director. Yet he isnt a first timer, as he has been the crowned prince of fashion for near a decade. His ability to transform the simple & clean to anew found chic, is part of his charm. Making a film seems an obvious progression for him. His genius is obvious, as Ford involves you in the movie emotionally. Showing how precious life can be. Another mention to director of photography Eduard Grau and editor Joan Sobel for their keen abilities to work closestep with Ford in projecting his vision onto the screen. Korzeniowski's score is haunting, cold yet works well.
Could this be Colin Firth's defining role? Maybe. His range of depth, emotion & courage as George, clearly showed why he is worthy of an Oscar nomination. This film is not for everybody, its for people who want to stretch themselves, emotionaly & mentally. Rarely does a debut film evoke this much emotion. "A Single Man" is an amzing film, more important to modern gay culture than Brokeback Mountain, and more significant than any movie featuring tall blue aliens, with multiple special effects & an appalling script. But I can not compare this movie with another one. It is unique, special & new.Try to forget all the subjective or opinionated reviews. Clean slate your mind fresh.
You are the best critic.
