'Single Man' finds life worth living
Chip Kalina
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Entertainment
"A Single Man" is the first movie from fashion designer Tom Ford. He financed and directed the film. Based on the novel written by Christopher Isherwood, Ford co-wrote the screenplay with fellow newcomer David Scearce.
"A Single Man" is the story of English professor George Falconer (Colin Firth) drifting through life alone and heartbroken. The film takes place on November 30, 1962, and takes us a through a typical day for Falconer. He loses his partner of 16 years, Jim, and falls into a deep depression. Throughout the film, Falconer has several encounters that seem to brighten his day. Ford uses color to give the audience a sense of Falconer's emotions.
"The use of color plays an important part in the film," director Tom Ford said on EmanuelLevy.com. "In the book we are inside George's head so we know what emotions he is feeling at any given time. I needed a way to help convey George's mood externally to the audience. At the beginning of the day, when George is at his lowest, our color is de-saturated and our light is flat as George is so depressed that life for him is literally colorless. As George begins to experience moments of beauty during the day the color on our screen amps up to reflect George's heightened mood."
Falconer has moments of joy throughout the day that give him hope and remind him of lost love. He shares a moment with a student in class, his secretary, a man from Madrid at a liquor store and his long-time friend Charley (Julianne Moore). He realizes that life is worthwhile and has moments of peace.
The film moves slowly, but is engaging. I felt myself losing track of time and surprised at the ending. It was entertaining and completely unpredictable. The set design and wardrobe crews did a phenomenal job recreating a 1962 set.
I also enjoyed the soundtrack. It added beautifully to the film without distracting from the story. It is definitely a thought provoking film. I left the theater satisfied and thinking about life. If you get the chance, go see it.
I saw "A Single Man" at Film Streams on student night. The first Monday of every month is free for all full-time students. All you have to do is bring your school ID to get a free ticket for that day. The next student night is on March 1.
"A Single Man" is the story of English professor George Falconer (Colin Firth) drifting through life alone and heartbroken. The film takes place on November 30, 1962, and takes us a through a typical day for Falconer. He loses his partner of 16 years, Jim, and falls into a deep depression. Throughout the film, Falconer has several encounters that seem to brighten his day. Ford uses color to give the audience a sense of Falconer's emotions.
"The use of color plays an important part in the film," director Tom Ford said on EmanuelLevy.com. "In the book we are inside George's head so we know what emotions he is feeling at any given time. I needed a way to help convey George's mood externally to the audience. At the beginning of the day, when George is at his lowest, our color is de-saturated and our light is flat as George is so depressed that life for him is literally colorless. As George begins to experience moments of beauty during the day the color on our screen amps up to reflect George's heightened mood."
Falconer has moments of joy throughout the day that give him hope and remind him of lost love. He shares a moment with a student in class, his secretary, a man from Madrid at a liquor store and his long-time friend Charley (Julianne Moore). He realizes that life is worthwhile and has moments of peace.
The film moves slowly, but is engaging. I felt myself losing track of time and surprised at the ending. It was entertaining and completely unpredictable. The set design and wardrobe crews did a phenomenal job recreating a 1962 set.
I also enjoyed the soundtrack. It added beautifully to the film without distracting from the story. It is definitely a thought provoking film. I left the theater satisfied and thinking about life. If you get the chance, go see it.
I saw "A Single Man" at Film Streams on student night. The first Monday of every month is free for all full-time students. All you have to do is bring your school ID to get a free ticket for that day. The next student night is on March 1.
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