A Single Man (2009)

A Single Man is so morose but so pretty. It makes me sigh just to think of it.

The story follows George (Colin Firth), a British professor teaching at an American university, as he tries to get to the end of his day after the death of his long-time partner. Firth's performance is so intimate and intricate. It's quiet and reserved but deep. And it's really a portrait of love and grief. What do you do when someone who was such a fixture in your life is gone? Every day can be a struggle. It's complimented nicely by the rest of the cast (especially Julianne Moore and Matthew Goode) sliding seamlessly into supporting positions.

But even with Firth's terrific (and Oscar-nominated) turn, he's slightly out-shined by the styling. Directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, the whole movie is like a slick pictorial come to live. It's set in the 1960s but not the neon, flower-power 60s. Instead it's the cool, clean world also seen in TV's Mad Men. In fact, the same production designers worked on both.

Not too many movies anymore can be paused and leave a beautifully composed image on the screen. Not only does A Single Man do that, but it leaves an image worthy of fashion ad.

Rating: 4/5

Recommended for: viewing in your slickest outfit on a rainy day