A Single Man (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Carlos M

  
  This film is beautiful!, in every way possible: dazzling cinematography, impeccable costumes and art direction, a wonderful score and one remarkable debut direction by fashion designer Tom Ford. Still, what stands out most is certainly Colin Firth's amazing leading performance.

• Ken S

  
  One of the best of the year. Absolutely beautiful on every level. Stunning performances. I heart Tom Ford.

• Chris W

  
  Based on a novel, this is the directorial debut of fashion designer Tom Ford. And, you know what, if he wanted to, the man could make a second career for himself in film because as far as debuts go, it's pretty good. The story concerns a British professor named Georgewho teaches… More
  Based on a novel, this is the directorial debut of fashion designer Tom Ford. And, you know what, if he wanted to, the man could make a second career for himself in film because as far as debuts go, it's pretty good. The story concerns a British professor named Georgewho teaches English at a California university. It's November 1962, and the Cuban Missle Crisis has had people on edge for a month. For 8 months now, George has been mourning the loss of his long time partner Jim, whom he was with for 16 years. It hasn't been easy for George, but somehow, he has managed. Yet, that is not enough, and he's reached the point where he's decided that he'd be better off if he'd commit suicide and put an end to his suffering. The fim follows George over the course of what he is trying to make his final day. Most thigns happen as usual, but then there are of course the moments where he takes care of final bits of business and gets some loose ends tied up. Along the way, he has encounters with various people that have him thinking that mayeb he does still have a life that's worth livign after all. Interspersed throughout this narrative are various flashbacks from George's life together with Jim. Despite being a serious character driven drama filled with sadness and pain, there are also a number of moments of hope, humor, and love. Underscoring the film is also a great sense of beauty. Even the darker moments have a kind of sad beauty to them, making the film very moving and touching. This is a smart film filled with an excellent lead performance by Colin Firth, and some terrific supporting ones by Julianne moore, Nicholas Hoult, Matthew Goode, and Jon Kortajarena. The music is quite emotional and moving, and, as one moght expect (given Ford's background), this is a gorgeous looking film with some top notch art direction, set design, and costumes. As good as the film is though, it's not perfect. I can probably forgive him for this since it's debut and he's morwe used to fashion, but I think Ford overdirects this film at times. I don't think there needed to be as much slow-mo, or the filter shifts from color to b&w. I think he was maybe just nervous or directed the film self consciously, trying too hard to make a good first impresion. In all honesty, I think it would have been better had he just trusted his actors and let them do the heavy lifting until he strengthened his chops. Aside from that though, I don't have any real complaints. I think the film is well done, not boring, and mostly finds the right tone. It occasionally feels a bit heavy handed, but again, I think it's forgivable. It does handle the material in a sensible manner though, and I appreciate that. You should give this a watch, because it's pretty good.

• Spencer S

  
  It's always enjoyable to see the critics split over certain subject material, bringing out true colors where none shown before. In this instance, most sided that this was too bleak for their tastes, a maudlin film with inventive camera work and a performance from Firth that was… More
  It's always enjoyable to see the critics split over certain subject material, bringing out true colors where none shown before. In this instance, most sided that this was too bleak for their tastes, a maudlin film with inventive camera work and a performance from Firth that was both clinical and risqué. What sets this film apart from most people's views of stylized or lackluster, is not just the dramatic angles and dream sequences, but what Firth brings to the table; basically the entire causality of events. Firth makes this film, his grief over his lover contained within his frosty exterior, each scene revealing another layer to his onion. As Firth bounces from flashback, to a moment of clarity, back to his dire present, the range of emotion flits across his face, hope never diminishing because it was never there to begin with. Most people were thrown by the random scenes with Firth and several people which were not particularly necessary for the plot, but if you watch each scene, truly grasping the difficulty of keeping clandestine affairs a secret while also mourning true love without giving away that you were intertwined in the first place, it brings the movie home. Better than the King's Speech and worthy of as much praise as possible, this is Firth's best performance to date and one of my personal favorites.

• Mark W

  
  In the words of Colin Firth's character: "If there's going to be a world where there's no time for sentiment, then that's a world I don't want to live in". What with the subject matter and characterisation, 'sentiment' is exactly… More
  In the words of Colin Firth's character: "If there's going to be a world where there's no time for sentiment, then that's a world I don't want to live in". What with the subject matter and characterisation, 'sentiment' is exactly what's required to fully enjoy this near masterpiece. George Falconer (Colin Firth) is a closested homosexual English college professor now living and teaching in Los Angeles in 1962. At the height of the Cuban missile crisis George is only concerned and haunted by the death of Jim (Matthew Goode), his soulmate of 16 years, in a car crash. Over the course of a day, he fastidiously plans his own death as he cannot stop dwelling on the past and is unable to see his future despite advances from his long time friend Charley (Julianne Moore) and student Kenny (Nicholas Hoult). Sometimes a film comes along that doesn't grap your attention straight away. It's only through time that the critical acclaim it recieved can be ignored no longer. This is that type of film for me. I'm also not Colin Firth's biggest fan either. However, on both judgmental accounts, I have been very very wrong. This flawlessly detailed character study of a desperate, tormented and heart-broken man is one of the finest films and central performances of 2009. I have no idea why I consistantly allow the Oscars to sursprise me but this film recieved ONE nomination from that year. Deservedly, that one was for Colin Firth but how can the rest possibly be ignored? What about the screenplay, the cinematography and Tom Ford's direction? I'm astonished it didn't recieve more. Everything about this film oozes class; the 60's setting is beautifully captured with it's attention to detail and strikingly rich photography by Eduard Grau; the slow motion scenes with overbearing sound effects; the subtle changes of colour saturation providing an excellent technique in developing the mood and feeling of Firth's character and a fitting soundtrack to accompany the lush imagery. Anchoring all of this artistry is Colin Firth with his stoic exterior and crumbling interior. He's absolutely marvellous and delivers a far superior performance than his Oscar winning role in "The Kings Speech". I'm starting to think the Academy gave him it a year later after realising that Firth really shouldn't have lost out for this. If Jeff Bridges wasn't so good in "Crazy Heart", the award had Firth's name all over it. What's also hard to believe is that this is Tom Ford's directorial debut. He handles the material skillfully and assuredly, delivering one of the most accomplished films in recent times and surely the only direction he can go after this, is down. This is the film that the multi-award winning "The King's Speech" wishes it was. It may be a bit bleak or risque for some tastes but this is sensitive, mature filmmaking of the highest order. An exuberant, unflinching masterclass from everyone involved.

• Shawn E

  
  A Single Man is an artistic film, rich with philosophy, style, beauty, and heart. Colin Firth's performance is outstanding and really pulls this film together. Even to someone who is unfamiliar with the artistic film genre, the visuals in this film are incredible!

• Dean M

  
  Tom Ford's debut as a director tells, in exquisite images, a very personal story, based on a short story by Christopher Isherwood. What makes everything fly so high is a fantastic performance by Colin Firth. I'm not saying that <i>A Single Man</i> is bad;… More
  Tom Ford's debut as a director tells, in exquisite images, a very personal story, based on a short story by Christopher Isherwood. What makes everything fly so high is a fantastic performance by Colin Firth. I'm not saying that <i>A Single Man</i> is bad; rather, it's a platform for the aforementioned leading actor to convey sadness in his character, George. Julianne Moore pops up as the constantly drunk Charly to help her longtime friend George out. She also makes wonderful performance. Along with the vividly beautiful and unique cinematography that correlates to George's emotions, a great score keeps the mood mysterious and poignant. Good filmmaking.

• Raymond W

  
  This debut film from fashion designer Tom Ford is one of heart-stopping beauty, visual dazzle and emotional resonance featuring beautiful costumes, stunning art direction, a breathtaking score and a masterful, oscar-worth performance by Colin Firth.

• Anthony L

  
  Wow. Maybe more fashion designers should think about directing films as this is a stunning debut from Tom Ford. Not that I'm that bothered about awards- but how was his directional achievement so overlooked here? He should have at least been nominated, I've not seen such a… More
  Wow. Maybe more fashion designers should think about directing films as this is a stunning debut from Tom Ford. Not that I'm that bothered about awards- but how was his directional achievement so overlooked here? He should have at least been nominated, I've not seen such a stylish a film like this for a very long time. To be honest, for me A Single Man is faultless, I'm not the biggest Nicholas Hoult fan I have to say but this film is perfect and a new favourite of mine. Highly recommended, as cinema goes, this is pure luxury.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  I bet every review out there probably says the same thing, but this film is really good-looking. I mean, it's just ridiculously stylish. Tom Ford's expertise in the realm of fashion translates beautifully into film. Underrated drama features some sharp editing and score,… More
  I bet every review out there probably says the same thing, but this film is really good-looking. I mean, it's just ridiculously stylish. Tom Ford's expertise in the realm of fashion translates beautifully into film. Underrated drama features some sharp editing and score, which go perfectly with the film's fashion-campaign looks. Colin Firth in the main role is stunning, and should've won the Oscar last year too (as I'm sure as hell he will this year).

• Daniel P

  
  Beyond Colin Firth's performance, there isn't much to say about this film. It's artsy, it's well shot, and it hits hard, but it's not exactly easy to keep watching. It needed the gravitas turned down a notch or two, and though I won't blow it, I will say… More
  Beyond Colin Firth's performance, there isn't much to say about this film. It's artsy, it's well shot, and it hits hard, but it's not exactly easy to keep watching. It needed the gravitas turned down a notch or two, and though I won't blow it, I will say that I was disappointed in the ending. However, Colin Firth and Julianne Moore are both fantastic, as always, in a film that will never find a wide audience. As always.

• Kristijonas F

  
  Visually breath-taking and emotionally gripping, this Tom Ford debut will shred your happy-go-lucky attitude into a million pieces. So grab some shot glasses and a vodka bottle, cozy up with the most comforting blanket you can find, and prepare to be blown away by Colin Firth's… More
  Visually breath-taking and emotionally gripping, this Tom Ford debut will shred your happy-go-lucky attitude into a million pieces. So grab some shot glasses and a vodka bottle, cozy up with the most comforting blanket you can find, and prepare to be blown away by Colin Firth's break-through performance.

• Michael G

  
  A Single Man is such a stylistically beautiful and well-constructed movie that at points it almost seems impossible to bear. Tom Ford's use of color and muted tones to convey emotion was brilliant (kind of Far From Heavenesque.) I can't wait for his next movie. Colin Firth… More
  A Single Man is such a stylistically beautiful and well-constructed movie that at points it almost seems impossible to bear. Tom Ford's use of color and muted tones to convey emotion was brilliant (kind of Far From Heavenesque.) I can't wait for his next movie. Colin Firth was always just kind of... there, but he was magnificent here as was Julianne Moore as his sloppy, booze hag, fruitfly gal pal. The first two acts had barely a false note, but the stalker student and the last 20 minutes lead to something of a dud of an ending. The classroom scene was stupendous and I could've used more cutaways (the shot of Firth's colleague's family in the bomb shelter was hysterical) but beyond that this was a great watch. Oh, and just a heads up -- if gayness and brief shots of naked men freak you out you may want to pass.

• Cynthia S

  
  Mr. Ford, slow motion does not = guaranteed good movie. I commend you for casting such attractive actors, but you should stick to fashion. Colin Firth was the ONLY reason I made it to the end of this movie. He is wonderful...but the substance, style, and everything else about this… More
  Mr. Ford, slow motion does not = guaranteed good movie. I commend you for casting such attractive actors, but you should stick to fashion. Colin Firth was the ONLY reason I made it to the end of this movie. He is wonderful...but the substance, style, and everything else about this movie made me want to go to sleep.

• Morgan S

  
  After seeing this movie I cannot believe how, even with all its critical aclaim, this movie was vastly UNDERRATED. In My opinion I dont see how any director could have competed with Tom Ford. He is simply spectacular. The subtle way in his transitions, colors, and mood are… More
  After seeing this movie I cannot believe how, even with all its critical aclaim, this movie was vastly UNDERRATED. In My opinion I dont see how any director could have competed with Tom Ford. He is simply spectacular. The subtle way in his transitions, colors, and mood are unbelievable. You both see and feel what Colin Firth is going through as a character. Colin Firth and Julianne Moores characters only add color and depth to this stunning movie. I cannot believe that Ford did not receive more acknowledgement. Near the end it does drag and get a bit slow...We wait the entire movie to see if Firth will really kill himself or perhaps some angel will come and save him, bu them to have him die of a heart attack see somewhat disappointing. That set aside, If you are a film buff like me FIND THIS MOVIE AND WATCH IT!! It really is an experience.

• paul s

  
  Esthetically perfect, with every nuance of color (or lack thereof) conveying mood, this period piece, anchored in 1962 is kin to watching an episode of Mad Men in its attention to detail. Colin Firth is marvelous as an (and excuse the levity) English, English Professor, teaching in… More
  Esthetically perfect, with every nuance of color (or lack thereof) conveying mood, this period piece, anchored in 1962 is kin to watching an episode of Mad Men in its attention to detail. Colin Firth is marvelous as an (and excuse the levity) English, English Professor, teaching in Los Angeles. His life has lost its meaning after his lover was killed in a car crash, so he decides to take his own life; reasoning that you are only allowed to truly connect with one other person in your life. So the film follows Firth through this last day, adding recollections of his recent past and revealing an interesting relationship with Julianne Moore, who loves Firth in a way that he cannot reciprocate. Firth also has a philosophical conversation with one of his students on the nature of things, introducing the student who will later become an integral part of the story, while hinting at why said student is important. The narrative flows very well, even with flashbacks (shown in more vibrant color than the washed out tones of real life - as if to say "back when Firth was actually alive"). As we progress towards the end of this last day, the film takes us to a visit with Moore where, after Moore gives a deep gin laden plea for Firth to resume his life - uproot and head back to London, taking her with him as companion, the two slow dance to Etta James. The music then captures the mood, not only of the pair, as Firth once again informs Moore that, while he loves Moore as a friend, it isn't enough to sustain him; but of the era as well, just hinting that the times are a changin'. The pair try to boogie through some early rock and roll piece, which unfortunately lasts just a bit too long, with Firth doing the Swim or some such dance move, while the drunk Moore cackles away (Nero playing his instrument while Rome burns). The only major misstep occurs soon thereafter when Firth returns home to end it all. I'm sure there was honesty in his maneuverings in trying to shoot himself, but it came off as oddly comical, when the film needed seriousness. I'm not going to go further into the story, only to mention that there are two seemingly parallel speeches, one by Moore and one by the student, that hold the message to the film. The student tells Firth that the past isn't worth the time to think about, and his present sucks - so that leaves only the future to care about. Conversely, Moore, unhappy in her life can only look back on the good times she had with Firth and mourn their passing, saying, "My future is only looking backwards".

• Nicki M

  
  Definitely did not live up to the hype. While I cannot fault the cast, filming and gorgeous 60's setting, it was - dare I say it - dull viewing. I am not sure why exactly. On paper, and for the first few minutes, really seemed like a good movie that I would enjoy, but as it… More
  Definitely did not live up to the hype. While I cannot fault the cast, filming and gorgeous 60's setting, it was - dare I say it - dull viewing. I am not sure why exactly. On paper, and for the first few minutes, really seemed like a good movie that I would enjoy, but as it dragged on and on, found myself more and more distanced from the characters. On the plus side...Colin Firth is fine as George, Julianne Moore excellent (her Charley was really very beautiful and the scene of her and George where she airs her frustrations at him was probably my favourite in the movie), Nicholas Hoult, also good (although is it just me who thinks he looks here like a young Tom Cruise... I am not sure that is a good thing exactly!). Also nice to see the always lovely Ginnifer Goodwin in a small role, and Ryan Simpkins as little Jennifer, kind of sinister and an interesting addition to the movie. I don't want to totally pan it, for sure, there are worse movies out there and it handles an important topic, but for me, personally, found it unengaging, and by the time the final scene I happened, I may have muttered "FFS" under my breath. I can fully appreciate the irony of how it ended, but it doesn't mean I found it enjoyable! Revolutionary Road is a movie with similarities, although, obviously not with the gay angle, that I found a much more rewarding experience.

• Thomas J

  
  Feeling the pain of a character is rare for me, but as I watched this movie, I felt the pain of George and wanted to help him!! Great acting!! I am not sure if this was the first work of Tom Ford, but I think it is an excellent debut!! Excellent film!

• Julie B

  
  Sad. Sad. Sad. Good. Touching. Sad.

• Red L

  
  Worth watching. Although the bulk of the movie deals with George's preparation for his suicide after the death of his significant other. George doesn't want to mess it up, so to speak.

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