A Single Man

“A Single Man”, the new Weinstein Company release, stars Colin Firth, Mathew Goode and Julianna Moore in this screenplay co-written by Tom Ford (of fashion fame) and David Scearce. Based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. Mr. Isherwood’s book was, in its time, a ground breaker as it sensitively depicted the trials and tribulations of a gay male professor in the early 60‘s. Directed by Mr. Ford, Colin Firth plays the subject of the story and, in doing so, gives what is probably the finest performance of his career. Able to portray and convey emotions with minimum dialogue, Mr. Firth lets us share all of his.feelings as he, the single man, experiences the occurrences that befall him and those in his immediate surroundings. This is one of those films where its entire structure is tied to the novel upon which it is based. As difficult as the chore would appear to be, Mr. Ford ably stays true to the story and allows the viewer to navigate through the myriad of emotions and frustrations facing its hero. I hesitate to imagine the film without Mr. Firth’s fine portrayal for he, in fact, is the film. I give this movie 3 stars in full recognition of Mr. Firth’s performance. He captures the character he portrays with such depth that it is difficult if not impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. It will indeed be a chore to try and select Best Actor from the trio of Mr. Firth and Messrs. Bridges and Clooney. Hooray for Hollywood for giving us such fine leading men to vote for and acknowledge