A Single Man is the story of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a gay British university teacher living in Los Angeles in 1962. The movie, which is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood, takes place on November 30th a month after the Cuban missile crisis and the day on which George decides to commit suicide. The motive is simple, George Falconer can’t find a way to live on after his partner Jim (Matthew Goode) dies earlier the same year. George is therefore extremely caring on that day and particular about what will happen after his departure leaving notes for everyone including his best friend Charley (Julianne Moore) but also displays the suit he will wear at the funeral and all sorts of legal documents. Of course life being complicated and full of surprises events take place that interfere with George’s plan.
Finally Firth got cast into a role that shows his true talent and the Oscars agree with us as Firth just scooped a nomination for best actor in a leading role. As George, Firth is outstanding and most importantly completely believable. There isn’t a moment in the movie where George’s emotions aren’t transparent to the audience or his actions out of character.
Nicolas Hoult plays Kenny Potter one of Falconer’s students. Potter plays a pivotal role in the story of Falconer’s life as he somehow connects with him in a way the Falconer didn’t think was possible anymore. Hoult is as always a little stiff but in this instance it works perfectly. Considering the time in which the movie is set and all implications of a relationship with his professor Hoult’s character has every right to be a little stiff. Hoult even delivers a good American accent.
Another great character in the movie is Charley played by Julianne Moore. Charley is one of George’s oldest friends from back in London and seems to share his cynicism of life. There is a great scene during which Charley and George share a meal together and reminisce about their lives and what could have been. Moore delivers another outstanding performance as this heartbroken middle-aged woman and almost steals the show when she is on camera.
A Single Man marks Tom Ford’s directorial debut and what a debut it is. Expectations will be running high for his next job. There is so much attention paid to every detail from the dialogues down to the changing colors according to George’s mood. Colin Firth as George Falconer shines in one of his best roles yet.
Movies based on books are always tricky as most of the time the film doesn’t live-up to the expectations. It is extremely delightful to be able to say that in this instance the powerful message from the book completely transcended into the movie. George’s story is compelling and his pain is felt throughout, which makes this a powerful and beautiful film.
