The Red Right Hand
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A SINGLE MAN
Just Get Through The Day

Director
Tom Ford

Starring
Colin Firth
Julianne Moore
Matthew Goode
Nicholas Hoult

I know we're only two months in but I think A Single Man is my favourite film of the year so far. Combining stunning visual imagery and an absolutely captivating performance from Firth, there is an underlying humour and optimism to this bleak tale of grief and isolation.

The story takes place over one day and night (30-Nov-1962 to be exact) in the life of a mourning English teacher. George [Firth] wakes from a disturbing dream and slowly explains his morning routine and how each day has been a struggle to let go of the past. Through the aid of flashbacks, we start to understand that George's partner, Jim [Goode], suffered a car accident and died eight months ago but due to the fact that his sexual orientation is not accepted, he hasn't been able to sufficiently accept or deal with the loss. Instead, George sleepwalks through a paranoid society, fearful of hidden enemies and nuclear destruction. The two other key players in this feature are George's plutonic love, Charley [Moore] and a young student, Kenny [Hoult] who has shown a keen interest in his teacher. As George goes about his day, he replays specific memories, subtly flirts with a few individuals, all the while toying with the prospect of suicide. Following a brief evening of frivolity with Charley, George and Kenny innocently spend the night together before an overall feeling of clarity and closure washes over our lead.

That overview may be a little stunted (and possibly a little too revealing but I've elected to remain largely vague about the film's finale) but the workings of this film are absolutely stupendous. The concept of George's happiness is told with the use of colour saturation; for the most part, George's scenes are sterile and almost void of colour but when he sees a flash of something he admires, likes or appreciates, a deep wash of warm gold and red flood the screen's overall hue. It's a bit odd to describe but it's an effect that has been executed with such subtlety that it should cause an emotive response with most audiences. To compliment this visual styling - not to mention the luxurious set and costume production - the musical score is incredibly tender without relying on any overly saccharine or sentimental elements.

The only negative aspect I could find would be that of the representation of homosexual Los Angeles in the early 60's. As stated, George goes about his day, interacting with a fair few people, all of whom are drawn in by his charm and magnetism. However, the only incident in his life is his grief - everything else appears to be surface-perfect. Personally, I approve of this action - in my opinion it strengthens the notion that certain bereaving individuals create a bubble of isolation around them - but to the average cinemagoer it may appear to simply say that his life is without heightened drama. As stated, this is in no way a fault of the film, more an observation of why certain audiences may label it as 'gay' or 'boring' but it's a point to note nevertheless. In summation, I've been struggling with how best to describe this film and all I can say is: this film is, shot-to-shot, almost perfect.

Release Date:
12th February 2010

The Scene To Look Out For:
At one point, George starts to discuss a book with his class before abandoning it for a topical discussion about fear, fear of one another and fear of change. Essentially, George is attempting to explain to his pupils that people's fears of minorities are almost always irrational and without cause (fear itself being the cause) but at the same time, he's almost desperately trying to come-out to his class. Naturally this goes over the heads of most and he dismisses them - a sobering truth that almost all creative types experience at one point or another: most simply aren't going to get it.

Notable Characters:
This film revolves heavily around one man, as such to focus on anything other than the central performance is a tad moot. Having said that, not only is Firth's performance key, it is a work of standout brilliance and the highest point in his career to date.

Highlighted Quote:
"I am exactly as I appear to be.. if you look closely"

In A Few Words:
"A visually stunning and devastatingly beautiful story and without a doubt one of the year's best"

Total Score:
10/10


Matthew Stogdon