A Single Man
Director - Tom Ford
Cast - Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult
Rating = Award Worthy

For many the news that Tom Ford was venturing into the film world was intriguing; what would he choose and how would his eye for style and photographic genius translate on to film. When news then broke that he would be adapting Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel, A Single Man, the intrigue and some skepticism began to build. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival before having its North American premier at the Toronto International Film Festival, after which the film found distribution with the Weinstein Company.

The film is a masterpiece and sits on the cusp of art film with both the cinematography, production design and score playing vital roles in the film. Ford brings the audience into a skillfully crafted world that allows us to full experience the film. The music haunts you as the images delight you and the changes in colour (from the mundane tones of daily life to the saturated brilliants of those moments that enliven us) help the audience understand the emotional journey of the film through the lead characters eyes.

The film explores a day in the life of George (Colin Firth), a gay, middle-aged English professor living in Los Angles in 1962. The day in question is one shortly after the death of his long time partner Jim (Matthew Goode). With intense detail, we a taken on the journey of life after loss and the need to find meaning in living or ending of ones life. A journey that proves happiness is often found in the details.

Ford uses many filmic devices (flashback, voice over, black and white) to help translate the rather introverted novel to the screen. And while some may claim pretension or perhaps state that these devices stunt momentum, I find the true magic of the film exists in allowing stillness combined with remarkable acting to evoke emotion. Colin Firth's honestly in this role is nothing short of Oscar worthy. He allows himself to be boring and in the process is anything but. He won the Volpi Cup in Venice for Best Actor and it is evident why with in the first 10 minutes of the film as Ford trusts the emotional power and honesty of his actor, bring tears to nearly every eye in the theatre.

Julianne Moore also delivers a beautifully painful performance as Charley, the only woman in George's life who must deal with the reality that she will only ever be his friend despite her need and desire to be more. Nicholas Hoult (the young boy in About A Boy, now 20) is also a wonderful surprise as one of George's students. Overall this film is one of the greats of this year and cements Tom Ford as more than just a fashion designer, but now a filmmaker, one I for one cannot wait to see what he choose to do next.

A Single Man is currently nominated for:

3 Golden Globes
Best Actor Drama - Colin Firth
Best Supporting Actress - Julianne Moore
Best Adapted Screen Play - Tom Ford & David Scearce

4 Critic's Choice Awards
Best Actor - Colin Firth
Best Supporting Actress - Julianne Moore
Best Adapted Screen Play - Tom Ford & David Scearce

Best Art Direction

1 Screen Actors Guild Award
Best Actor - Colin Firth

Link to Video of Q & A from the TIFF North American Premier

An Over Educated Actor Reviews

So after Much Request I have decided to open a Film Blog/Review
To facilitate this

I have created a rating system

Award Worthy - Everything Worked and the Film Stayed With Me for 24 Hours or More
(The Traditional 5 Stars)
Worth $15 Movie Ticket & $10 Popcorn - Acting, Story & Directing Solid
(The Traditional 4 Stars)
Worth $15 Movie Ticket - They Entertained Me but Didn't Emotionally Affect Me
(The Traditional 3 Stars)
Rent or Buy for under $6 - Made Me Work Hard to Find Good Parts
(Traditional 2 Stars)
Download to See if I was Wrong - Could Not Hold My Attention and/or Fell Asleep
(Traditional 1 Star)
They Owe Me Money or Services for Wasting my Time
(Less than the Traditional 1 Star)

An Education

TIFF Opening Night

Adapted by Nick Hornby from a short story by Lynn Barber, An Education brings us into a Lolita style story in the 1961 London. Unlike most tellings of this tale however the romanticism and excitement for both characters is equally matched by the harsh realities that come from such an affair.

We at times find ourselves caught up in the charms of David, the older man, played brilliantly by Peter Sarsgaard, but are never really allowed to forget the overall distaste and dare I say creepy element of the of relationship.

The girl in this tale, Jenny, played flawlessly by new comer Carey Mulligan moves effortlessly from the wide eyed idealist desperate for adventure and easily lead down the "glamours" path by this mysteriously charming older man to the woman confronted with the harsh realities we all know are lingering around the corner.

The acting chops of both Mulligan and Sarsgaard do help carry the film, however its true brilliance is found in the equally great performances of the supporting cast. Alfred Molina is as sympathetic and humours as ever as the easily seduced father. Rosamund Pike redefines the cliched dumb blond in one of the films pleasant surprises. Emma Thompson proves yet again her brilliance by making a memorable performance yet only being in three scenes. But the two great surprises are Olivia Williams as Miss Stubbs, the teacher who must witness the relationship between Jenny and David and despite her attempts save Jenny from the harsh education of life, and Sarah Hawkins in a very small but haunting role.

Dominc Cooper is his normal suave - though somewhat darker than normal self and the entire piece is directed to perfection Danish director Lone Scherfig.

An Education one the Audience Award at Sundance and one can clearly understand why.
I think, especially in the acting categories this year both Peter Sarsgaard and Carey Mulligan could expect to see their names being thrown around.

Overall great way to start the festival -- although it was difficult to love Peter immediately after, I think that is why he only received one question.

Very lovely Q&A below.