Q1 - A Single Man

Look out; this choice blog is going to be FULL of spoilers. To all those who don’t like to know anything about a movie before seeing it, don’t read this.

A Single Man

A film starring Colin Firth as George, Mathew Good as Jim, and Julianne Moore as Charley. On November 30, 1962, George, an English professor at a college in Los Angeles is finding that coping with his life is becoming a hard thing to do. 8 months ago he lost his partner of sixteen years, Jim. He decides on this day that he can no longer pretend to be someone he isn’t.

“George: It takes time in the morning for me to become George, time to adjust to what is expected of George and how he is to behave. By the time I have dressed and put the final layer of polish on the now slightly stiff but quite perfect George I know fully what part I'm supposed to play.”

He dresses in the morning, like always, but changes his path forever. He has decided that he’d commit suicide that evening. Throughout the day he gathers his important belongings, his money, and his funeral outfit, everything for pre and post funeral. He goes through the day remembering his life with Jim, the love they shared, the dogs they had. Meanwhile, he meets people who are noticing him slowly changing. Carlos, an immigrant/actor, Charley, his best friend and ex-girlfriend whom still has feelings for him, despite his sexual orientation, and Kenny, a student of his who has a curiosity about who his teacher really is.

This film explores everything from a gay relationship, to philosophical truths, to beautiful cinematography. The scenes move from under-saturation to over-saturation based on George’s feeling of the situation he’s in. This film is absolutely beautiful and totally meaty. This is a true love story, one that you simply don’t see on the Regal screens.

“George: I always used to tell him that only fools could possibly escape the simple truth that now isn't simply now: it's a cold reminder. One day later than yesterday, one year later than last year, and that sooner or later it will come.”

Colin Firth was absolutely flawless in this film. He won ten awards for Best Actor was nomination for nine others. Mathew Goode was exceptional. I have written about him in Brideshead Revisited. This is another level for the both of them. You wanted to be in the room with them just to listen to them talk.

Alright I’m done, it was phenomenal…for real.