Tom Ford, 2009
plot synopsis: A story that centers on an English professor who, after the sudden death of his partner tries to go about his typical day in Los Angeles.
The debut film from fashion designer Tom Ford shows nothing less than the birth of a brilliant new filmmaker, whose every new project will now be right at the top of my to-see list. Being from the world of fashion, Ford’s film (adapted from a 1964 novel by Christopher Isherwood about an English professor (Firth) who contemplates suicide one day following the death of his long-time lover) is filled with gorgeous shots, perfectly planned set decoration, and a gorgeous score. While it has come across to some critics as “overly-calculated” or “cold,” I found it added to my appreciation for George’s situation; without his partner, he no longer feels any real connection to the world. As is demonstrated in the opening scene, every morning he has to do everything in his power just to “put himself together.”
Colin Firth gives, plain and simple, the performance of his career here. I always knew he could act, but I never knew he could ACT. This is the best male performance of the year, right there with Carey Mulligan for best performance of the year, PERIOD. Julianne Moore and Matthew Goode are also fantastic in (small) supporting roles.
Tom Ford’s debut plays like the work of a veteran filmmaker, so knowing it’s just the first in a (hopefully) long line has me extremely excited.
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