A Single Man

Tom Ford's A Single Man, adapted from Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel, tells the story of George Falconer (Colin Firth), an English professor grieving the loss of his long term partner Jim (Matthew Goode). The film starts with a moody shot of George, naked, drowning, and the piercing sounds of a car crash. The film takes place over a single day in George's life in Los Angeles in 1962 -- the day when George Falconer can no longer see into his future.

With limited screen time, Goode’s performance is remarkably playful and light. Though the film begins with his death, we come to know Jim through a series of flashbacks. Jim and George are shown together on a rocky beach, stylishly shot in black and white; the lovers blend in with the scenery, as natural and real as nature itself.

But it's the remarkable Firth who own the film. His performance is easily one the best of the year, realms of emotion oozing with every shift of his eyebrows. The always wonderful Julianne Moore and Nicholas Hoult round out the ensemble cast. Moore plays the flamboyant Charley, a depressed divorcé who, like Firth, is grieving a lost love. Hoult takes on the role of Kenny, George’s student, who shares many characteristics reminiscent of Jim: innocence and a coy sense of wisdom. It is Kenny who reminds George of the magnificence in life.

In his directorial debut, fashion designer Ford creates a sensual landscape -- and it's no surprise that the clothes look amazing. Teamed with costume designer Arianne Phillips, every detail is just so, down to the Ben Sherman pink cigarettes that George and Charley smoke. Well cast, with imaginative and gorgeous camera work, A Single Man is a film to keep an eye on during awards season.

Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin, Nicholas Hoult
Directed by: Tom Ford
Produced by: Tom Ford, Chris Weitz, Andrew Miano
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Release Date: December 11th, 2009 (limited); December 25th (wide)
Distributors: The Weinstein Company