A Single Man

2009 Drama

George Falconer (Colin Firth) feels lost. Not only is he still grieving the death of his longtime companion, Jim (Matthew Goode), but he's also a Brit teaching English at a California college. He's so distraught with heartbreak that he's decided to kill himself, and proceeds to get all his affairs in order while carrying on with what otherwise would be a normal day. He gives an unusually forceful lecture to his class, revealing enough that a perceptive student, Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), senses something is wrong with the professor; collects his important financial papers from his bank; buys bullets for a handgun he owns; and makes a visit to his best friend (Julianne Moore). But throughout these methodical preparations, George keeps running into people -- a colleague's daughter, a attractive gay hustler, and the sympathetic Kenny -- who offer him glimpses of why he should stay alive. A Single Man is the directorial debut of legendary fashion designer Tom Ford. more..

Director: Tom Ford

Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin

Reviews

  • Firth plays him as a man of his time who is also mournfully ahead of his time. He's addicted to his own broken heart. A Single Man may break yours as well.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • For the most part, Ford has done good by the film, infusing a sad story with warmth and humor to spare. While loss is what makes George's experience universal, heart is what gives him such life.

    Betsy Sharkey - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • The film belongs to Firth. Uncanny at showing the heart crumbling under George's elegant exterior, he gives the performance of his career.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    29 November 2012

  • There's a lot, in fact, that keeps this film from greatness. One performance alone recommends it. That's enough.

    Ty Burr - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • While A Single Man has its flaws, many of these fade in view of the performance and the power of Isherwood's story.

    Manohla Dargis - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • AFI Movie of the Year

    AFI Awards (2009)

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

    Academy Awards (2010)

     
  • Best Actor

    Austin Film Critics Association (2009)

  • Best Leading Actor

    BAFTA Awards (2010)

  • Best American Film (Bedste amerikanske film)

    Bodil Awards (2011)