A Single Man
Review
by Anthony Morris
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A Single Man
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Fashion
designer Tom Ford moves into film-making with this adaptation of
Christopher Isherwood's [1964] novel, and clothing's loss is cinema's
gain. The story is barely there,
being a day in the life of Professor George (Colin Firth), a man
grieving the death of his homosexual lover but unable to fully express
that grief thanks to being in California in 1962. Basically
a series of barely related scenes, the film is largely held together by
Ford's visual style and flair - George is constantly shown in
washed-out grey tones, while those he comes in contact with (mostly
cute guys) warm up into vibrant tones once his interest is aroused -
and Firth's brilliant performance as a man who's little more than a
shell. The scenes are a little
uneven, but one towards the end between George and his female best
friend (an excellent Julianne Moore) as they try to summon up the vibe
of the good old days by themselves in an empty house is as good as you
could ask for. A Single Man is a minor film, but in it's own way, it's a triumph.
4
out
of 5
A Single Man
Australian release: 25th February,
2010
Official
Site: A Single Man
Cast: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult
Director: Tom Ford
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