After eight months of mourning the accidental death of his partner, college professor George Falconer (Colin Firth) decides to end his life.  The film, set in 1962 Los Angeles, follows him through what will, presumably, be his last day on Earth.

CRITIQUE

Adapted from a novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man is an engrossing, bittersweet, often humorous, tale of loss, isolation and the discovery of what is important in life.  The fact that it deals with a gay man, in the days before people came “out of the closet,” has nothing to do with the film’s basic message.  This story would have been just as viable had the protagonist been a heterosexual.

George Falconer (Firth), as he goes through what he has determined will be his final day, not only recalls the loving relationship he had with his late partner (Matthew Goode), but he also begins to notice little things about his world and the people who inhabit it.  He, for example, compliments a secretary in the college’s administration office on her pretty smile, and he takes some extra time to get to know his neighbor’s bratty kids.

Charley (Julianne Moore), his closest friend and long ago lover, is fighting her own sense of loss; her husband has left her and her son is grown and out of the house.  She would, desperately, like to woo George back to her, but it is a hopeless cause. 

It is only Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), a young student trying to come to terms with his own true nature, who might dissuade George from his fatal course of action.

The film has an ending that is quite unexpected.

Firth, Oscar-nominated for this picture, delivers a magnificently low-key performance.  He has no loud, emotionally charged scenes, yet he commands the screen with his eyes and subtle facial language.

Ms. Moore is also very affecting in the role of George’s hard-drinking friend, as are Goode and Hoult in their supporting assignments.

A Single Man is a totally involving, positive look at the human condition and the importance of the seemingly mundane moments of life.

THE VIDEO

The 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen picture is razor sharp. Colors are vibrant.

THE AUDIO

The English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound is without flaws.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary by writer/director Tom Ford.

Making-of Featurette, approximately 16 minutes long, which incorporates interviews with Ford, Firth, Moore and others.

FINAL THOUGHT