A Single Man

A Single Man was released in Canada on September 14, 2009 at the Toronto International Film Festival. The cast consists of Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode and the newbie, Nicholas Hoult.

The plot of this film revolves around a college professor, handled by Colin Firth, in Los Angeles in 1962. He has lost his partner of 16 years to a tragic car accident, and has not recovered. We join him on the day he has planned to commit suicide, and walk with him through the day, and the individuals he encounters. Strangely, a movie about a grieving, suicidal man is not lacking in inspiration.

A Single Man has been recognized in just one Oscar category, with a Best Actor nod for Firth. Truly, this was the performance of a genius. The tone of his voice, the look in his eye, the droop in his step... they are pull you into the experience of this despondent man who has not found a reason to continue his life. I have seen all of the contenders in this category, and it is truly a toss up between Firth and Bridges. The Bridges movie is certainly more mainstream, and therefore may have an edge. But there is no justice in a movie world where Firth's performance in this one is not rewarded. Then there is Julianne Moore. With four previous nominations to her credit, perhaps this should have been the fifth. Especially when you consider the Farmiga and and Kendrick nominations. Of course, it is debatable whether I am so impressed with Moore or so unimpressed with the other two.

This movie pretty good, but the Firth performance is not to be missed.