A beautiful visual portrayal.
Set in America during the 60’s, an English professor prepares himself for suicide 8 months after the accidental death of his life partner. Over the course of a day, planned and unexpected encounters shape George’s state of mind, causing him to reflect on the past and his decisions on his self shortened future.
A Single Man is aesthetically, an exceedingly gorgeous film. Every aspect feels as if it has been painstakingly considered and polished; from how a shot is framed, to the use of colour and filter, the choice of luxe actors and actresses, the clothes they wear, and how it all comes together and flows in such a deliberate motion. This is initially surprising as Tom Ford, lauded fashion designer, is the director of the film – though after further consideration makes perfect sense. A film as a grand and ambitious fashion spread in motion.
Colin Firth’s brilliant performance as George was highly empathetic and a world away from his usual fair. Julianne Moore comes through with a fine portrayal of a fragile and aging romantic that is unable to accept that her relationship with George will never be more than very close friends; for it is not that George prefers men, but rather that his heart belongs to another man.
The story at times seemed a touch too overwrought and unrealistic; accentuated by the extreme beauty of the film. George’s encounter outside a liquor store with a young insanely good-looking Spaniard exemplified this (though on further reflection was likely a fabrication due to George’s state of mind). Saying this, it was minor against the film’s other achievements.
A Single Man was an affecting experience of visuals that linger – of a mind of a broken man at the edge, and ultimately, release.
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