A Single Man (Movie Review)

4/4 stars

The film is about an English professor(Colin Firth) dealing with the death of his partner.  We follow the character around during a typical day trying to grasp what he sees and feels about life after losing a person he loved and cared for more than anything in the world.  His life is gloomy, grey, but during the film, you see bright spots show up in his life.  You see color light up the screen when a character, inanimate object, or an animal brings ‘life’ to him.  Gives him reason to live. 

The film is beautiful.  The direction and the acting are top notch.  What’s even more impressive is the fact that it’s the director’s first time directing, writing, and producing a film.  The director: Tom Ford. 

Ford’s direction is superb.  The emphasis of color throughout the film is beautifully done.  One moment, you are following the main character around his life in a grey, gloomy setting and the next moment, the main character is full of color and life because of his encounters with the people around him.  The people he loves.  The color is used perfectly.  Almost overused at times to get its point across, but still well-done.  And the uplifting, almost epic music used during the film was beautiful, too.  At times, you question whether the score did not belong alongside the film, but the more you listen to the music and watch the film, the more you realize it complements the film nicely. 

Now, for Colin Firth.  I’ve seen him onscreen before and to me, he wasn’t really that special.  I didn’t think much of him.  Just seemed a little weak from the TV shows and films I’ve seen him in.  But after watching Firth in A Single Man, I can clearly say without a doubt in my head that this man deserves the Oscar for Best Actor.  I’m not saying Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, or any of the other actors nominated sucked.  I’m just saying Firth kicked that much ass.  From start to finish, you completely empathize with his character and the internal struggles he is going through.  At times, it’s almost overwhelming to watch him daydream about his partner.  Anyone that has lost someone close to them will be crying a river during the film.  The emotion is insane. 

Overall, the film is well-done.  Beautiful direction and a juggernaut of an actor make this film what it is.  I know it’s not a really popular film and it’s not Avatar, but it doesn’t make it bad at all, so give it a chance.