A Single Man

R

Released Dec 11, 2009

1h 39m

Drama

LGBTQ+

List

86%

Tomatometer

198 Reviews

81%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

George (Colin Firth) is a college professor who recently lost his lover, Jim, in a car accident. Terribly grief-stricken, George plans to commit suicide. As he goes about his daily routine and puts his affairs in order, his encounters with colleagues, students and an old friend (Julianne Moore) lead him to make a final decision as to whether life is worth living without Jim.

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Critics Consensus

Though the costumes are beautiful and the art direction impeccable, what stands out most from this debut by fashion designer Tom Ford is the leading performance by Colin Firth.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

This is an impressive debut from which I am still reeling a little, and Firth's performance is astounding.

Aug 30, 2018

Full Review

Anna Smith

metro.co.uk

Fashion designer Tom Ford proves he's no one-trick pony with this astonishing directorial debut.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 23, 2018

Full Review

Ed Koch

The Atlantic

This is an important homosexual film based on a first-rate novel with a first-rate cast and probably a harbinger of similar movies to come. Many viewers will be disappointed that the movie only hints at intimacy rather than showcasing it.

Jan 16, 2018

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The film was not so much directed as it was designed.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 18, 2023

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

Visually arresting and incredibly moving, the now 14-year-old Single is still quite simply one of the best movies of the 21st century so far.

Rated: 5/5

May 24, 2023

Full Review

Michael Cuby

them.

In addition to being one of the greatest American designers of the last century, Tom Ford is also, it turns out, an incredible film director.

Oct 12, 2022

Full Review

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Simon B

Having read Isherwood’s book, Ford’s version is a distortion. In the novel, George is not planning to kill himself. That is a melodramatic betrayal of George’s character. And the encounter with the Spanish hustler is an invention and also out of keeping with George. The film is preoccupied with beauty and appearance. Probably not surprising given Ford’s background. Read the novel. It’s wonderful. So much more interesting than the movie, for all the fine acting by Colin Firth and Nicholas Hoult.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/15/24

Full Review

Lisa G

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Colin Firth ⭐️⭐️ for Tom Ford

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/05/24

Full Review

Capt N

Moving, excellent performances by Firth and Moore. One of the top 10 movies of this generation. Brilliant and beautiful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/28/24

Full Review

Barefoot C

One of the finest films I have ever seen. I watch it again every once in a while to remind myself what is important in life. Kudos to Tom Ford, Colin Firth and Julianne Moore for making such a great film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

Full Review

Jack T

Colin Firth is his usual understated perfection in this elegy for a man hollowed out by the death of his partner. Tom Ford's art direction makes the sad story visually stunning at every moment, with a haunting score. The sense of time and place, California in the early 60s, vividly contrasts with the emotional turmoil of George's solitary world. A gorgeous film, one I watch over and over.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

Gareth v

A fantastic movie, that shows Ford has style but also some substance. Firth shines in this poignant movie about grief.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/23

Full Review

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Tom Ford

Director

Colin Firth

George

Julianne Moore

Charley

Nicholas Hoult

Kenny

Matthew Goode

Jim

Jon Kortajarena

Carlos

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Synopsis

George (Colin Firth) is a college professor who recently lost his lover, Jim, in a car accident. Terribly grief-stricken, George plans to commit suicide. As he goes about his daily routine and puts his affairs in order, his encounters with colleagues, students and an old friend (Julianne Moore) lead him to make a final decision as to whether life is worth living without Jim.

Director: Tom Ford
Producer: Tom Ford, Chris Weitz, Andrew Miano, Robert Salerno
Screenwriter: Tom Ford, David Scearce
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Production Co: Fade to Black Productions, Artina Films, Depth of Field
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Nudity|Some Disturbing Images)
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 11, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 10, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.2M
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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