A Single Man – An Alliance Films Release

http://www.asingleman-movie.com

DVD Release Date: July 6th, 2010

Rated PG not recommended for young children, nudity.

Running time: 100 minutes

Tom Ford (dir.)

Tom Ford (screenplay)

Christopher Isherwood (novel)

David Scearce (screenplay)

Abel Korzeniowski (music)

Colin Firth as George Falconer

Julianne Moore as Charley

Nicholas Hoult as Kenny

Matthew Goode as Jim

Jon Kotajarena as Carlos

Special Features Include:

• Feature audio commentary

• The Making of A Single Man

Our reviews below:

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A Single Man DVD Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

After his partner, Jim (Matthew Goode), suddenly dies, George Falconer (brilliantly played by an Oscar-nominated Colin Firth) is left, for the first time in 16-years, a single man.  Tom Ford’s stunning directorial debut, A Single Man, follows one day in his life – a day that may be his last.  At the beginning, we see George packing a gun into his briefcase.  Every moment after that is filled with tension, sometimes unbearable, and sometimes just subconscious.

The film uses stylistic flashbacks to show us more of the story.  The best moments come when we are just watching a conversation play out between two people.  philosophical and mortality-driven issues are discussed, but the film never feels pretentious, and rather takes on an undeniable social relevance.

The use of subdued colours, sometimes getting brighter as the scene goes on, and the way certain objects are allowed to be photographed in seeming artificial brightness, are small nods to Ford’s work as a designer.  The use of sound, like the ticking of a clock reminding us that we are all on borrowed time, a classroom discussion of fear, and a touching final scene, are just some of the things that make A Single Man a brilliant and unforgettable experience.

The DVD includes a making-of featurette, and audio commentary with producer/director Tom Ford.

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A Single Man DVD Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

In A Single Man, Colin Firth plays George Falconer – a man who’s lost his lover of 16 years in a car accident.  After 8 months, he still is unable to come to grips with the fact of being alone, and is deep in depression.  On the verge of suicide, as he goes through what he considers his last day, things keep on happening that we hope he will see as signs of hope.  Keeping the suspense right to the very end, is part of what make this low-key film really work.

This is an artful, and tasteful film.  Beautifully acted, with a stunning performance by Colin Firth, it wraps you into it’s character’s moods.  The interesting cinematography, and use of fascinating colour boost/drain choices to tell it’s story make it one of impeccable art direction.   This, along with the simplistic, yet sweeping score, cause the film to effectively move you.  There is no doubt in my mind – with it’s interesting filming techniques, and timeless messages of the need to stop fearing minorities, A Single Man will be one for film students to watch for years to come.  And for anyone else seeking an interesting art film that will move you, seek this one out.

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A Single Man DVD Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

Set in 1962, before the Civil Rights movement took real hold, A Single Man shows one day in the life of a lonely widower.  George, (Colin Firth), a college professor, is suffering from major depression after the death of his life partner, Jim.  One day, George decides he can’t live through his loneliness anymore.  So he carefully plans to commit suicide, putting all his affairs in order, while trying to spend the day as if nothing is happening.   However, people recognize something is off, and keep trying to connect with George.  His neighbour and friend Charly (Julianne Moore), a single mother, invites him over.  He encounters other people too, including a handsome Spanish guy at the liquor store.  But the person who connects with George the most is Kenny, an attractive and highly sensitive young man, who knows what it is like to be different.  The movie ends in a surprising and extremely touching way.

A Single Man is a very well made film.  The cinematography is very interesting with almost a monochromatic feel.  The acting is very believable.  It is not surprising that Colin Firth was nominated for best actor in 2009.  I also found the storyline engaging.  It is obvious that part of the reason George is so upset, is that, because of the circumstances, he can’t talk about his feelings.  As a gay man, George understands minorities, and comments to his class that people are considered minorities only because the rest of the world misunderstands or fears them.

If you are interested in film, the story, or just want to see something different, then A Single Man is a movie you should definitely see.

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A Single Man DVD Review By Maureen

**** (out of 4)

Imagine losing your long-time lover and best friend and then not being able to acknowledge your loss or say a final goodbye.  A Single Man is the story of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a British college professor who no longer feels he can endure the loneliness and pain of life without his same-sex partner, Jim.  George carefully makes plans for what he believes will be his last day alive.  He goes through his work day as usual but throughout the day he encounters people who change his day and his outlook on life.

A Single Man is a well-written, superbly acted and beautifully shot, artsy film.  Colin Firth deserved his Best Actor Oscar nomination for his low-key, touching performance as the depressed and grieving professor who happens to be gay.  Julianne Moore also gives a superb performance, and received an Oscar nomination, as George’s good friend and neighbour, Charly.

Setting the story in 1962, film producer/director Tom Ford is able to show the struggles many minorities, including gays experienced in the past and still do today.  One poignant scene involves Professor Falconer’s speech to his students’ about fear being the basis of misunderstanding regarding minorities.

A Single Man is more than just an agenda movie.  It is first and foremost a story about love and loss.  With it’s interesting artistic shots, a beautiful score, and excellent acting, A Single Man is one of the better movies of 2009.

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A Single Man DVD Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

A Single Man opens with a dream sequence of a dead man lying in the snow beside an overturned car, in [pre-seatbelts] 1962.  George Falconer (Colin Firth) wakes up to prepare reluctantly for another day as an L.A. English professor, possibly his last day on Earth, and the film stays with him to the end.  In flashbacks we get to know the dead man Jim (Matthew Goode), George’s life partner of 16 years.  After close to a year, George is still shattered by the loss, and plans to join Jim, clearing out his desk and safety deposit box, buying ammunition for his gun, laying out his papers and even burial suit, and trying out various suicide positions in his home.  Through his eyes we share in the “invisible” queer society of 1962.  In his class he discusses prejudice against minorities, never daring to mention his own.  His temptation is obvious as he watches shirtless tennis players and meets a young Spaniard (Basque model Jon Kortajarena) who is only too willing to ride with him.  And then there is Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), a student who wants to know him better, to the point of stalking him. He spends the evening with Charley (Julianne Moore), an English girlfriend from his youth, who knows he is gay but still has feelings for him.  I won’t spoil the ending, once he returns home that night to die.

From a book by the gay writer Christopher Isherwood and screenplay by fashion designer turned director Tom Ford, A Single Man provides a brilliant insight into closeted gay life in the mid 20th century.  Though some may object, the mainly straight cast perfectly portrays the discretion required at the time, feelings of attraction often being shared simply by a look, with no trace of flamboyance among respectable people. Though the general mood is mournful and potentially tragic, A Single Man celebrates life and love, regardless of gender. The 60s is recreated in meticulous detail, and there is a fine musical score by Abel Korneziowski blending songs of the period with original material mainly for strings.

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Consensus: A Single Man is a moving film with an excellent performance by Colin Firth.  The film is worth watching for it’s art direction alone, although the beauty of the finished product will make you like it for a whole lot more than just as a work of art. **** (Out of 4)