The biggest reason to see this film for me was to see if I would agree with the fact that the leading actor was nominated the Academy Award, and of course I did. Basically, set in the 1960's, English Professor George Falconer (BAFTA winning, and Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Colin Firth), originally from Britain, is living in Los Angeles and isn't feeling like his life is pointless. Eight months ago his partner of sixteen years, Jim (Matthew Goode), died in a car accident, and Jim's family weren't planning on telling George, or having him at the funeral. Deciding that he doesn't want to live anymore, George first wants to spend a last day getting things in order before he commits suicide in the evening. As he gets everything ready for the potential suicide, bullets for his gun and a resting spot in his house, he reminisces about his time with Jim. But also, as he spends time with people who see that he is not his usual chirpy self, he sees that there is actually beauty in the world when you look closer. People including Spanish immigrant, aspiring actor and gigolo Carlos (Jon Kortajarena), his best friend also from England who secretly lusts for him despite him being gay, Charley (Golden Globe nominated Julianne Moore), and English student Kenny Porter (About a Boy's Nicholas Hoult) who is overly curious about his teacher, maybe in a loving way. It eventually comes to the point when George is going to commit suicide, but after a few interruptions it looks like he may have changed his mind, but he still dies from a natural heart attack. Also starring Paulette Lamori as Alva, Ryan Simpkins as Jennifer Strunk, Ginnifer Goodwin as Mrs. Strunk, Teddy Sears as Mr. Strunk, Paul Butler as Christopher Strunk and Aaron Sanders as Tom Strunk. Firth does very well as the gay and not wanting to live anymore teacher, Moore does an impeccable English accent, and Hoult does an impeccable American accent. I think the really clever thing about the film is that the colour is really faded/tinted, and when something meant to be beautiful happens the colour goes really vibrant. As an overall film, it is not so much suspenseful, you just keep watching to see what Firth is going to do next, so it is a really likable drama. It was nominated the BAFTA for Best Costume Design, and it was nominated the Golden Globe for Best Original Score for Abel Korzeniowski. Good!
Review of A Single Man
