A SINGLE MAN - A Wonderful Tale

Tom Ford’s A Single Man is swimming with emotion and heartbreak. The wonderful performances, combined with a striking depth of character, brings a sense of joy and heartbreak in the heart of the viewer. The beautiful cinematography adds a charm to the film which is perfectly contrasted by the woe and tragedy of the story and the life of the lead character. As we journey with George through his daily life we become engulfed with him, in his tragedy. After losing his partner in an accident, George’s life has become monotonous, meaningless and painful. As we join him in his morning routines in the first few minutes of the film, we are instantly drawn to his suffering. Colin Firth is at his best ever in A Single Man.Firth gives a performance so raw and so fascinating that it is impossible not to feel the sorrow and solitude that consumes him.

Julianne Moore is dazzling in her role as George’s one true friend, Charley (She always is). Her empty marriage and the lack of real love in her life are replaced with the material. As George’s comfort, Moore gives a delicious performance that highlights her ability as an actress, to truly understand a character and deliver the inner workings of a woman on to the silver screen. Nicholas Hoult also compliments Firth brilliantly as the new love interest and the lingering reminder of freedom and youth.I came across this guy recently in Warm Bodies and I wish he delivers more in the coming years.It is the combination of these performances, along with Ford’s exquisite direction, that makes A Single Man such as striking piece of work.

A Single Man is wonderful without trying to be. It is cool, collective and chaotic all at once. This film succeeds in the wonderful art of making you care about characters that aren’t necessarily very likeable individuals. George is matter of fact, slightly arrogant and closed off. Charley is shallow and selfish and yet our hearts break as we watch them try to cope with losing true love and the heart wrenching agony of never being able to say goodbye. A Single Man combines a masterful script with detailed characters and performances that do such characters justice. It is the use of visual colour that adds a perspective to the suffering in this story that only cinema could do. This is undoubtedly one of my favourite films of the last ten years, A Single Man will draw you in, consume you and leave you feeling both empty and elated.

WORTHY MENTIONS

The film was shot in just 21 days. 

Tom Ford financed the film himself and this was his directorial debut.

MY VERDICT

**** - Sublime