This is the feature film debut from fashion designer Tom Ford (the man responsible for the overhaul of the Gucci label in the late '90s/early '00s and for setting up his own fashion house called, naturally, Tom Ford).
The film, based on the Christopher Isherwood novel of the same name, charts a day in the life of George Falconer (Colin Firth) a gay British college professor living in L.A. in the '60s. His long-term partner has just died, and George is carefully planning his suicide.
One of the highlights of the recent World Cinema Showcase, A Single Man heralds a bright new talent in the form of first-time feature director Tom Ford and also features the performance of a lifetime from Colin Firth. Whilst its experimental tendencies regarding both narrative form and aesthetic presentation situate it squarely in the art house, the film has the star power, emotion and style to appeal to a much wider audience.
Rookie director Ford is a fashion designer by trade, a trait that becomes obvious as he imbues every frame with a sense of visual mastery far beyond your average first-timer. Be it colour, composition or movement – Ford seems to have a natural ability to use the camera to create a vivid but tasteful milieu that works as both an eye-catching palette and an expressive representation of grief.
Firth received an Oscar nomination for his performance and was unlucky not to win for this turn. He plays his character with admirable restraint, merely hinting at the breakdown that is unraveling behind his stiff upper lip. Even more remarkable than his performance may be the fact that Julianne Moore is able to steal every scene she is in, high praise when she is paired with Firth.
By Andreas Heinemann, Flicks.co.nz
This has become one of my favourite films of all time. Colin Firth captures the sense of the narrator George absolutely perfectly - his phrases haunt you long after the film ends. The cinematography is so cleverly done - with the different coloured tints/lighting to indicate certain things, and all the symbols such as the clocks ticking... it all adds to the overall vision of the film. It truly does the book justice! :)
Immaculate design and gorgeous cinematography, every frame is infused with a sensual warmth. Colin Firth is simply wonderful in a fantastically understated performance. He expresses a huge amount of emotion with a minimal amount of expression. Outstanding acting in a stylish and emotionally charged film
this movie was a stunning watch. It was very sad and it had top notch acting and costumes. I dont understand why it was not nominated for best picture at the 2010 oscars
The detail that goes into this film, from pouring a drink to closing his suite-case was masterful. The light was excellent, the director must have a love for photography. It is a little depressing but has a real hinge to it, life is about loss and loneliness. It gets a 5 as it was film that made me feel i watching a work of Art!
Not your usual film at all, so glossy and ad-like as others have said, but I liked it a lot. Its poetic, a very careful study, with admirable acting. I enjoyed the overall mood and simple complexity.
Some films aren't revelations, exactly, but they burrow so deeply into old truths about love and loss and the mess and thrill of life, they seem new anyway. A Single Man is one such film, one of the best of 2009.
It sounds like a downer but A Single Man is exciting, emotionally alive filmmaking, a potent cocktail of style and substance. And Firth thoroughly deserves the Oscar.
Colin Firth is outstanding in a Christopher Isherwood adaptation, but some scenes in Tom Ford's stylish directing debut are outrageously ad-like.
Sensitive and stylish.
Beautiful and utterly lifeless.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 6th May 2010.
Release date: May 6th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
