A Single Man (2009)

Colin Firth is “A Single Man.” But not by choice. His George Falconer is a closeted English professor devastated by the death of his longtime companion. Unable to cope, George has decided on suicide. The film follows what is to be George’s final day, with flashbacks to happier times inserted throughout. Firth is wonderfully understated in the role of man who knows that he himself must play a role of cool and reserved, so as to not divulge his lifestyle in stiff 1962 America. This is the debut of fashion-star Tom Ford, and he uses the camera quite well, especially when George’s bleak outlook suddenly explodes with color upon seeing an object, or a person, that pleases him. Costume design and art direction are tops, if not over the top. (Even the wacky neighbor children appear to be hired from an L.A. modeling agency.) Julianne Moore oddly channels Ann Margaret from “Tommy” as she plays boozer Charley, a former, quick flame of George’s who foolishly thinks she has a chance. Minor grudges in a fine film about a man attempting to grief lost love in a world that doesn’t even recognize his love. Expect much sadness. B+