Watch A Single Man

A Single Man is an emotional drama film that was released in 2009, directed by Tom Ford and based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. The film is set in 1962 in Los Angeles, California, and follows a gay British professor named George Falconer (Colin Firth) who is struggling with depression following the death of his partner, Jim (Matthew Goode).

The movie begins with a beautiful montage of George's morning routine, visually expressing his isolation and melancholy in his daily preparation. He goes through his day teaching literature, trying to hide his grief and despair from his students, and carrying on social interactions that become increasingly mundane as the day progresses.

Throughout the movie, George struggles with his sexuality and identity in a time when homosexuality was considered a criminal offense. He is torn between his desire to conform to society's norms and his need for companionship, craving moments of human connection that seem to escape him.

As the day progresses, George eventually meets our third main character, Charley (Julianne Moore), an older woman who is also grieving the loss of the love they once shared. Charley is a stagnant beauty, and their conversations reveal a deep history and deep wounds that go beyond what meets the surface. They drink, dance and reminisce about their shared stories, leading to a fascinating description of their current relationships.

The film is filled with striking visual elements, that sometimes feel like they are conveying a sense of an era long gone. The color palette is muted and gloomy, much like George's state of mind, but there are scenes of beauty and hope, such as the sunset by the ocean or the buoyant dance number where George is finally able to surrender to happiness for a moment.

The performances in A Single Man are stellar, with Colin Firth delivering a nuanced, heart-wrenching performance as a stoic man who has difficulty expressing his emotions. Julianne Moore is also fantastic in her role, imbuing Charley with a sense of recklessness and desperation that is both captivating and tragic. Matthew Goode's character, Jim, is seen in flashbacks and through conversations with George, offering a portrayal of a man full of life and creating a contrast with George's character that deepens the movie.

A standout element of the movie is the relationship between George and Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), a young student who seems to be attracted to George. Through their interactions, George is forced to confront his own feelings, leading him to make some significant decisions that could change the course of his life.

The movie is well-paced, never feeling like there are scenes that do not need to exist. Each supporting character, regardless of the screen time, has a specific purpose in the story, enhancing the film's themes of isolation and connection, life, and death.

Overall, A Single Man is a beautiful and poignant film about grief, love, and the human experience. It explores themes of loneliness and the search for connections through excellent performances, breathtaking visuals, and intelligent scriptwriting that leaves a profound impact on the viewer. It is a movie that deserves to be seen and appreciated, particularly for those who are looking for an emotional story that asks the viewer to ponder profound questions about the human experience.

A Single Man is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 77.