A Single Man is the story of a homosexual professor, George (Colin Firth), who is devastated by the loss of his lover of 16 years. The audience lives one day with him. The day he has planned on ending his life. 

A Single Man is absolutely beautiful. It’s art on film. I was caught up in the story after the first few minutes. I put down my computer and I set aside my sketchpad to give the screen my full attention.

After doing a little research on the director, I realized why this movie seemed more similar to the art galleries I visited in Chicago then the usual movies I watch at the theater. The director, Tom Ford, is a fashion designer. He’s an artist. It’s amazing how he uses color variations to express emotions. The changing color schemes elegantly representing how George felt: either dead to the world or feeling a sudden spark of life.

Colin Firth gave an amazing, heartbreaking performance. From the moment he narrated, “For the past eight months, waking up has actually hurt,” I was hooked.

The supporting cast also gave memorable performances. Julianne Moore is perfect as the emotionally starved best friend. I was already a fan of Matthew Goode but this film gave me a deeper appreciate for him. And Nicholas Hoult is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

I believe that the score of a movie can do wonders for the story. I was once told that the composer has successfully done his job if the audience is so completely into a scene that they don’t notice the music. I disagree. I believe a composer has done his job if you crave to hear more of that music and if that music replays scenes in your mind’s eye. Abel Korzeniowski & Shigeru Umebayashi’s music completes this movie. It’s haunting and lovely. The music represents the turmoil and loneliness that George is experiencing.

Perhaps I’m praising this movie too much, but I really did adore it. I’m anxiously awaiting another movie by Tom Ford.