Review of A Single Man (2009) by Ryan K — 12 May 2014

This is most definitely not the kind of film I would usually watch but it was so well received by the critics I persuaded myself to take a look. I have to say that, yes, there were things that impressed me about it, however I did struggle a bit with the subject matter (more on that later). Hereâ(TM)s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

We are told the story of one day in the life of George. It is 1962, he is gay and he has recently lost Jim, his partner of several years in a car crash. It soon becomes apparent that George has special plans for this particular day; but he has to get through it first. He is a professor of English at a University in California and, for some reason; he appears a little distracted in his lecture. Thatâ(TM)s not to say he doesnâ(TM)t come out with some sage advice for his students. One in particular, Kenny, seems very keen to strike up a conversation with him. After work he runs a few errands, during which he meets a young Spanish man, Carlos, who tries to pick him up. Later, having set everything for when he returns home, George goes out to meet his female friend, and one-time lover, Charley. They spend the evening reminiscing about lost opportunities before George returns home. The film is interspersed with flashbacks to when George and Jim were together; culminating with how they met. This seems to strike a chord with George and he feels impelled to return to the bar where it all began⦠I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Tom Ford Division) will be replacing my entire wardrobe (again).

Really well made and, given the director, there is no surprise that it looks immaculate and extremely stylish. A great performance by Colin Firth as George is the highlight of this piece. He is ably supported by Julianne Moore who, as Charley, put on one of the best English accents Iâ(TM)ve ever heard from an American on screen. Also worthy of note were Nicholas Hoult as Kenny, Matthew Goode as Jim (in flashback), Jon Kortajarena as Carlos and Ryan Simpkins as the neighbours pesky daughter, Jennifer Strunk.

Although itâ(TM)s an extremely stylish and well made film I must admit I found it hard to watch despite Colin Firthâ(TM)s excellent performance. I guess the subject matter of the piece is something I donâ(TM)t find I have any interest in. Donâ(TM)t get me wrong, itâ(TM)s not a homophobic thing, I have had friends that are gay and it hasnâ(TM)t bothered me in the slightest. This one just didnâ(TM)t do a lot for me Iâ(TM)m afraid; if it had been made about a heterosexual couple I guess it would never have seen the light of day, and thatâ(TM)s just where the problems begin. I think itâ(TM)s a story that has been told many times before but because itâ(TM)s about a gay man in the 60â(TM)s and it was made by Tom Ford itâ(TM)s special. Well, for me, it wasnâ(TM)t all that special; I will, however, still give it a good score because I think it was very well made and I do appreciate its style and Colin Firthâ(TM)s performance.

SteelMonsterâ(TM)s verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just).

My score: 6.0/10.