A Single Man

I didn't know what to expect from this movie other than good acting, sadness and perhaps, some kind of commentary on the human condition or existential theory. Luckily, it included all those Oscar-worthy elements and a whole lot more. Like an episode of Mad Men, the clothing, sets and cars were perfect. Tom Ford's designer eye definitely paid off in the aesthetics and crucial details that puts the viewer right into that era where it was normal to have your shirts pressed, folded and wrapped in paper. Does anyone do that anymore?

Smoking has also become the crucial indicator of all things retro - smoking in a classroom?!? Did people really do that? My teachers didn't even want me chewing gum or eating in class, let alone lighting one up and looking at them like they were ruining my buzz. The one thing I will say is that although American habits were a lot less clean, our lives ran at a pace where you could focus on one thing at a time. Houses were kept. Hairstyles were maintained. Everything was serene...on the surface. An eerie calm washes over the entire fim: (Colin Firth's) George systematically plans his death; (Julianne Moore's) Charley spends what seems like 90 minutes applying makeup on one eye; Kenny (Nicholas Hoult) stalks George with such silent authority that if you put different music to the scenes, you might think you were watching an old-school horror flick.

As movies go - it was a pleasure to watch (massive male eye candy - hello!). Everyone was absolutely amazing in this film and although the direction/representation was sometimes a little obvious, it was still a worthwhile look into the frailty of man (by nature) to be alone; to have to hide our true selves and conform to society; to connect to something so deeply that we couldn't live without it.

I also respect a film that is sad in many ways, but doesn't specifically orchestrate gut-wrenching scenes with musical accompaniment that make you want to bawl out loud for 15 minutes. I'm looking at you Lovely Bones!