A Single Man

I think that Sorrel has experienced an enjoyable Birthday.
After multiple Birthday card opening at home, we drove over to Llandudno to have a leisurely lunch at Osborn House, which was a real treat. Sorrel has a somewhat child-like ability to thoroughly enjoy things that have been organised for her, so, of course she makes an ideal guest.......she even seemed to enjoy the rather thought provoking movie A Single Man, which we took her to this evening.

A Single Man, has an interesting premise as the film chronicles the "last day" of the suicidal University Professor George Falconer (Colin Firth). He observes neighbours in their everyday lives,takes a class; meets up with an old flame and best friend Charlie (Julianne Moore) for dinner; has an encounter with a gay student (Nicolas Hoult) and has painful flashbacks to happier days he spent with his longterm partner (Mathew Goode),before his recent death in a car accident.

It is indicated that the love affair was profoundly deep and affectionate, so Firth's depression is not a guilt ridden, self depreciating romp, but is simply an understandable reaction to a deep deep loss and Colin Firth (not an actor I generally find appealing) captures quite wonderfully the slightly blank, pointless affect of a man numbed by grief.

It is a cracking and, I think brave piece of casting as Firth, (to me) is not really known for his more tortured characters.

The characters in this adaptation of Isherwood's novel remain for the most part precise and slightly enigmatic..a fact that seems complimented by a slight stylised cinematic style...with only the brief glimpses of George's lover in everyday normality and the full on cameo from neurotic best friend (Moore) giving the film the heart that it is so desperately needed.

Julianne Moore's performance, for me is a standout as she captures perfectly a woman who is stuck needing a man who is unattainable.....and yet I had to agree with Alex http://boycottingtrends.blogspot.com/ (who wryly described Moore as "ripe")

Her star turn perfectly balances Firth's depressive blandness.

A Single Man, isn't a gut wrenching romp into grief. It is a quiet, thoughtful study of loss and acceptance ( the scene when George receives a "cold" call informing him of his partner's death is subtle yet oh so traumatic), so I suspect the movie will be disappointing to some, who may be expecting more....well histrionic cinema .

For me, I thought it was pitched just right

8/10