'A Single Man'

'A Single Man' (09) (R) ***

Writers: Tom Ford and David Scearce based on novel by Christopher Isherwood
Director: Tom Ford
Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult, Ryan Simpkins, Ginnifer Goodwin

Once in a while a movie director makes such an assured and breathtaking film debut that it makes a major impact. Tom Ford was a famous and successful fashion designer who helped build up Gucci for example with his brilliant designs. He should have an eye for beauty and detail and he has directed one of the most beautiful movies of all time. He knows where to place the camera and he knows how to get great performances and that's what surprised me. He directs this movie like he had been directing for decades. His movie follows a gay man named George Falconer who has just lost his partner Jim in a car accident. The film follows one day of his life in 1962 as he tries to put the death behind him. George Falconer is played by veteran actor Colin Firth. Firth played Mr. Darcy in one of the many adaptations of "Pride and Prejudice". He is considered to be the definitive Mr. Darcy. He was also memorable in the Bridget Jones movies. Here he gives an amazing and lived in performance and it is his best performance of his career and the Academy will come calling. That is because Firth is always good but sometimes plays the same dry and snooty character. This time Firth sheds that image and creates a fully formed character different than he has done before. He actually is unrecognizable and a friend of mine said he looked like Al Gore. He creates a sad, hurting and dryly funny man and his performance never hits a wrong note. He gets great support by an amusing and funny Julianne Moore who also creates a great character different then most of her usual roles. Matthew Goode is a great and hot new actor who plays Jim. Goode has been outstanding in "The Lookout" and Woody Allen's masterpiece "Match Point". He makes a lasting impression in a small but memorable role. Also good is Nicholas Hoult all grown up from "About A Boy" as a student of George's and he might help give George a little closure in his life. This movie is mainly about loneliness and the first half is surprisingly a lot of fun,enchanting and sometimes powerful. The movie is beautiful to look at, the costumes and design are flawless, the characters likable and the dialogue is wonderful. The only problem is I felt the movie needed a stronger finish to match it's flawless beginning. I wanted to feel more closure from the story but the movie is worth seeing. Colin Firth is amazing and Tom Ford has made a competent and thrilling debut and I look forward to his next movie.