Set in 1960s LA, A Single Man has multiple avenues to explore when dealing with the rise and fall (through death) of a loving m/m relationship. Colin Firth plays George, a lonely college professor who struggles to deal with the loss of his long-time partner, Jim (played by the charming and lovable Matthew Goode). This death comes as a shock in many ways--for not only was Jim far younger and more optimistic than George on the outlook of life and happiness, but the aftermath is brutal: George cannot even attend Jim's funeral, for example, because it is reserved for family. The reality of LGBT relationships in this era is absolutely heart-breaking, and A Single Man manages to show this heavy emotion without beating the viewer over the head with moral absolutes.
George essentially decides to commit suicide (not a spoiler, it is clear from the first few minutes of the film's run-time). The film then follows him through what he plans to be the last day of his life, unraveling the people, situations, and places in his life like ribbons of detail on a wonderfully packaged gift. Some people stick out more than most: Julianne Moore plays Charley, one of George's oldest friends, and she is a treat while on the screen. And the heart-wrenchingly gorgeous Nicholas Hoult plays Kenny, a student of George's who sees through his professor's morose demeanor and reaches out to connect with a fellow lonely person. The events and people who affect George during these pivotal hours guide his final outlook on love and life. Without spoilers, let me just say that the ending to this film was beautiful, poetic, and nearly brought me to tears. It was fitting considering the somber outlook on life that both George and the film has, even if moments of brightness shine through.
I watch as many m/m romance movies as I can, which might be why Netflix recommended A Single Man to me. But make no mistake: this is not a romance film. It's a study of the human condition, of love, of terrible loss, and of trying to come to terms with tragedies and moving on. There are no sex scenes in the movie, though there is some non-sexual male nudity and tastefully done slow takes on parts of men (like lips, eyes, etc.) as George struggles with his loneliness. A Single Man is very artistic at times, lingering on some shots to hammer in a mood, but it never overstays its welcome.
If you like films about the human condition that delve into realistic somber territory, A Single Man has a lot to say. Anyone who has ever loved, lost, or even lived life to its fullest can appreciate its beautiful tale. I enjoyed this film even more than I expected to. If A Single Man is a testament to Tom Ford's directorial skill, I hope to see far more films coming from him in the future.
George essentially decides to commit suicide (not a spoiler, it is clear from the first few minutes of the film's run-time). The film then follows him through what he plans to be the last day of his life, unraveling the people, situations, and places in his life like ribbons of detail on a wonderfully packaged gift. Some people stick out more than most: Julianne Moore plays Charley, one of George's oldest friends, and she is a treat while on the screen. And the heart-wrenchingly gorgeous Nicholas Hoult plays Kenny, a student of George's who sees through his professor's morose demeanor and reaches out to connect with a fellow lonely person. The events and people who affect George during these pivotal hours guide his final outlook on love and life. Without spoilers, let me just say that the ending to this film was beautiful, poetic, and nearly brought me to tears. It was fitting considering the somber outlook on life that both George and the film has, even if moments of brightness shine through.
I watch as many m/m romance movies as I can, which might be why Netflix recommended A Single Man to me. But make no mistake: this is not a romance film. It's a study of the human condition, of love, of terrible loss, and of trying to come to terms with tragedies and moving on. There are no sex scenes in the movie, though there is some non-sexual male nudity and tastefully done slow takes on parts of men (like lips, eyes, etc.) as George struggles with his loneliness. A Single Man is very artistic at times, lingering on some shots to hammer in a mood, but it never overstays its welcome.
If you like films about the human condition that delve into realistic somber territory, A Single Man has a lot to say. Anyone who has ever loved, lost, or even lived life to its fullest can appreciate its beautiful tale. I enjoyed this film even more than I expected to. If A Single Man is a testament to Tom Ford's directorial skill, I hope to see far more films coming from him in the future.
