A Single Man Review: Tom Ford's Brilliant Directorial Debut

A Single Man, 2009. Photograph taken from url.

A Single Man is unlike any other fashion films in history. Narrating the story of a troubled man who has recently lost the love of his life to a freak car accident, his journey both towards and against recovery - A Single Man revolves around a much darker theme and a more serious tone than other typically perky fashion movies. Directed, produced and written by fashion industry's very own modern King, Tom Ford, there is no question that every suit and outfit sported by the cast was tailored to perfection and that the whole composition of the movie would be visually pleasing to its viewers.

I dare say that the movie's introduction was by far the most emotionally-engaging and thought-provoking introduction I have came across in movies. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that the first thing the audience was introduced to was a haunting visual of a death scene in the sea of winter or perhaps it was Colin Firth in the most impeccably tailored suit, staggering through a sea of soft white snow. Whatever it was, the introduction itself had already succeeded in transporting its viewers into the shoes of its grieving, homosexual and suicidal protagonist, George (Firth).  It perfectly encapsulates the endearing and loving relationship of George and his late lover, while simultaneously conveying the darkening emptiness and the numbing loss in his life.

As his debut in the film industry, Tom Ford did a stunning job in creating a fashion film masterpiece. While still displaying his taste in well-tailored classic fashion and making sure that the movie was in itself visually pleasing - evident through his use of colour gradients and the muting of louder colours during more emotional scenes - he also succeeded in creating a sincere and empathetic modern classic.