A Single Man
A Single Man

A Single Man

2009Movie100 minEnglish

Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, is the story of a British college professor who dwells on the past and cannot see his future. We follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters ultimately lead him to decide if there is a meaning to life after the death of his long time partner, Jim.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes82%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users84%
Director: Tom FordGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set in Los Angeles in 1962, A Single Man follows George Falconer, a British professor of English at a Los Angeles university. Grieving the loss of his partner of 16 years, Jim, George goes through his daily life with a profound sense of emptiness. He plans to end his life that very day, meticulously arranging his affairs and saying goodbye to those close to him, including his close friend Charley and a student named Kenny. The film captures George's final day as he navigates his emotional desolation and seeks meaningful connection in unexpected places.

Critical Reception

A Single Man received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Colin Firth's performance, Tom Ford's directorial debut and stylish aesthetic, and the film's poignant exploration of grief and identity. It was praised for its visual beauty and emotional depth, marking a strong debut for Ford as a filmmaker.

What Reviewers Say

  • Colin Firth delivers a career-defining performance as a grieving gay professor.
  • Tom Ford's masterful direction creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
  • The film is lauded for its sensitive portrayal of loss, identity, and the search for connection.

Google audience: Audiences largely praised Colin Firth's performance and the film's beautiful cinematography and emotional depth. Many found the story moving and thoughtfully told, appreciating the film's exploration of grief and longing.

Awards & Accolades

Colin Firth received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor, a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama. The film also received numerous other nominations and awards for its screenplay, costume design, and directing.

Fun Fact

Tom Ford, primarily known as a fashion designer, made his directorial debut with 'A Single Man', drawing inspiration from Christopher Isherwood's novel of the same name and infusing the film with his signature aesthetic.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

This is a very good Colin Firth flick. It's a nicely put together film, with a meaningful story portrayed strongly. Firth gives a big performance in the lead role, with him being the only standout performer - though the supporting trio o...
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Interesting and well edited story with great performances from Firth and Moore.