A Single Man

A Single Man (2009)
Directed by Tom Ford
Length: 99 minutes
Rated R for some disturbing images and nudity/sexual content





Since 2005 s Brokeback Mountain, most a-typical Americans can't help but giggle and ridicule a movie helmed as the latest gay drama. This is unfortunate, especially considering the wealth of quality films released in the last few years that have dealt with powerful and gut-wrenching topics applicable to both gay and heterosexual communities alike. A Single Man is a fine example of a film that touches on the powerful connections we have with those we love, and the miserable consequences their untimely deaths can have on us. Though the protagonist may be a gay man, this is a rare example of a film that allows you to supplant the character and imagine yourself mourning the loss of a lover, no matter what your personal beliefs or ideology.

Set in early 1960s Los Angeles, A Single Man is the tragic tale of George, a sophisticated, mature, and educated professor of English who mourns the recent tragic loss of his lover. Played by Oscar nominated Colin Firth (Main Street, A Christmas Carol), George is so distraught by the loss he is prepared to end his life. The film follows the mourning lover as he makes his peace with those in his life and prepares to take his own life. Every interaction and moment of the film is a different chance for George to see the beauty in life, the reasons to continue to live; though the pain of his lover's loss will always be a part of him, the chance to live allows him to cherish his memory and keep his spirit alive.

The film is directed by fashion guru Tom Ford. For those of you unfamiliar, Ford is a renown designer responsible for some of the most exquisite and luxurious styles enjoyed to date. For his first attempt, Ford has created a beautiful piece of living art filled with emotion. The subtle shifts of color throughout the film act as a living character, allowing you to see the reaction in George. Mostly shot with a drab, monochromatic look, precise moments that our protagonist sees beauty in life or remembers his lover is filled with color and light, creating absolutely beautiful scenes.

Additionally, Firth is well deserving of his nomination. While it would be easy to simply portray an emotional wreck and call it a wrap, Firth brings a lover who has moved beyond the physical distress but who has instead internalized his pain. Literal heart aches and vivid memories all haunt George throughout the day. The level of sophistication and consideration George has for other people is especially exhibited during his first suicide attempt. Struggling to find comfort, George soon worries about the mess created by his selfish action, leading to practice runs in the shower and later in a sleeping bag. While tragic, these humorous scenes help further define the depth and nature of Firth's character.

While I would hope you can look beyond the sexual orientation of a character, for those of you concerned, this is not Brokeback Mountain. There is no explicit sex scene or even heavy kissing. Instead each scene between George and his lover is a tender moment the couple shares with the audience, allowing you to truly understand just how in love the characters are. But you should get use to seeing Firth's ass...a lot.

Brokeback Mountain is more infamously known as the "gay cowboy" movie. While it is unfortunate that is all people see the film as, A Single Man is a movie that transcends sexual orientation and aims squarely at the heart of every lover. Though few of us have experienced the untimely death of a lover, many of us can imagine the pain we would feel. Even if your personal beliefs disagree with the characters, you would be wise to give Ford's freshman effort a view. As an artsy, indie drama, A Single Man is a powerful and emotional film that will leave a mark on not just your heart but your soul.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
George (quoting Aldous Huxley's Texts & Pretexts): "Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him."

Oscar Nominations:
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Colin Firth