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| Movie Review: A Single Man Alternate Title: Style Over Substance
Story: Oh dear. Fashion designer,
turned director, Tom Ford has jumped head first into
the movie world. He should have made sure there was water in the pool
before he jumped. The film is based on the novel by Christopher
Isherwood and written for the screen by Mr. Ford
and David Scearce. It is 1962, Southern California - where we first meet Professor George
Falconer. He is overcome with grief months after
the sudden death of his long time companion, Jim. Nothing will help
his sense of grief, isolation and sorrow so George decides to commit
suicide. How he lives what he thinks will be his last day on earth is
the bulk of the film. Director Ford decided to make George's life devoid
of color to emphasize his grief. Only his flashbacks allow the screen
to become blindingly bright and alive. This technique was overused and
quickly became predictably annoying. The style of the film was the main
character. Scene after scene, while visually lovely, seemed most of
the time to be an advertisement for cologne, ties, appliances, cigarettes
or cars. It was too glossy and devoid of substance. So the bad news is that the film is aesthetically top heavy. The good
news is that there are a few fine scenes that show hints of humor and
humanity. It is also a fine time waster to be able to watch some of
the beautiful men seen up on the big screen. It did not matter to me
whether they were gay or straight - they were really nice to watch. I remember the first time I saw the trailer I
wondered why there was no dialogue in the clip. Was it a foreign film?
Now that I have seen the movie I know why - it is more like a big advertisement,
rather than a movie. There's no need for words when there is so much
style. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC9Zm1UJ7zs
Acting: Colin Firth as George was
the heart and heft of the film. I wish Ford has let me emote a bit more
every now and then. Julianne Moore as Charley was awful
I like Julianne Moore but her accent and over the top performance was
embarrassing.Matthew Goode as Jim was fine and Nicholas
Hoult as young Kenny did the best he could in a role that was
marginally written.
Trivia: Tom Ford is an American fashion designer.
He is known for his legendary turnaround of Gucci. When Ford joined
Gucci in 1994, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. By the time
he left 10 years later, Gucci was turning over in excess of $3 billion
per year. He started his own line of mens- wear in 2006 after a liaison
with Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Colin Firth has
played a Mr Darcy on three occasions. Once in "Pride and Prejudice"
(1995), in Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) and again in Bridget Jones:
The Edge of Reason (2004). Nicholas Hoult was the adorable
little boy in 'About a Boy' with Hugh Grant. Christopher Isherwood
and Don Bachardy were longtime companions.
Their relationship was made into a film in 2008 called. Chris
& Don: A Love Story. You can read my movie review here:
http://www.judithwolfe.com/lobosmoviereviews/reviews/chrisdon.html
Predilection: None
Critters: An owl, a cow, a chicken, a pig and a few
Fox Terriers. One of the beloved fox terriers is seen in the aftermath
of an auto accident. You do not see the dog killed.
Food: Lots of booze.
Sex Spectrum: Sex is the underlying current throughout
the film.
Blatant Product Placement: Mercedes, Hershey's chocolate,
Lucky Strike, Tanqueray Gin.
Soundtrack: A blend of sounds in the track that is
often over the top.
Opening Titles: An underwater dream sequence that
ends with the title. All other credits are at the end.
Visual Art: Style, style and more style.
Theater Audience: Fairly crowded with a Chelsea crowd
for a Sunday morning show.
Weather: Most of the film takes place in Southern
California - ergo, it is nice.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I drifted a bit in the middle.
Predictability Level: I started not to care somewhere
around one hour into the film.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: I would not be surprised to see Colin
Firth get a nomination or two.
Big Screen or Rental: Oh, go for the big screen and
look at all of the pretty boys.
Length: 100 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 5
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