I recently watched the film adaptation of "A Single Man" at The Arbor and was mesmerized by Colin Firth's portrayal of George, a college professor who has lost his partner of 16 years, Jim, in an automobile accident. Exceptionally poignant is the moment a family friend calls him out of courtesy (Jim's parents weren't even going to bother to tell him he had died) to let him know that Jim had been killed in an accident. Colin is so vulnerable and emotionally accessible in this role. I am fairly empathetic as I am watching films- but his grief permeated his whole performance. There is also hope at the end that he can reconnect and his face lights up when he feels alive again. Colin Firth captures this perfectly. He deserves the Oscar for this role. Period.Tom Ford also did a splendid job of lovingly portraying Santa Monica. The locations were superb and his research for the sets and the history was exemplary. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how beautifully stylish this movie is. I will see it again for the locations and attire.
I love Christopher Isherwood stories and was leery of how well the adaptation would adhere to Isherwood's stream-of-consciousness portrayal of a man, now alone, rootless in his suburban society. I was completely immersed in George's life and his disengagement and grief. Bravo.
