Tom Ford personifies style. In everything the man creates the sheer class with which he works is really quite astounding. A perfectionist to the point of obsession, the man makes a beautiful picture.
From the very beginning, this film is aesthetically gorgeous. The sixties setting is immaculate and everything from set to costumes to lighting is really something else. The house used in the film was designed in 1948 by John Lautner, the noted architect who once worked for Frank Lloyd Wright.
But, Tom Ford is obviously not one to rest on his laurels and release just a stunning looking picture. Instead, he picked a story by Christopher Isherwood and actually made an extremely strong film.
Firth plays the title character. He is wonderful in the role. His character is so haunted and sad it is heartbreaking to watch. Yet Firth doesn't just play the grieving role. He manages to create a fully rounded character. While reliving past memories, a different man is apparent. A happy, funny, loving and satisfied man was who he once was and Firth manages to hold on to all sides of this man with great truthfulness.
Julianne Moore is George's neighbor Charley. A British woman living alone in a large house which she never leaves and where she spends her days waiting for the evening to come. She is alone but for George, and wishes that they could have been more than best friends. A funny, sad character, she is likable yet pitiable at the same time.
The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult as the young student Kenny, who shows more than a teacher/student interest in George. Kenny seems to provide George with the possibility of future happiness.
Then there is Matthew Goode who plays Jim, the love of George's life. They spent fifteen years together before a terrible car accident took Jim's life and threw George into the whirlwind of turmoil that he finds himself unable to escape from.
It is a moving story. A man coming to terms with the death of his most treasured loved one. Alone in L.A, far from England and in a time when to be gay is unheard of. He is refused permission to attend the funeral of his life partner, a sharp blow adding to the horrendous news. Life is a fog for George now and all he has to keep him going are his memories of happier times with someone who is now passed away. Living seems futile.
Ford managed to create a hauntingly special film. It is difficult to critique a piece of work that is so unique. The cinematography by Eduard Grau is amazing, as is the editing by Joan Sobel. There are moments of slow motion and flashbacks that are so effective it is incredible. Also, the fact that the acting is so strong throughout really gelled the movie together. It is easy to believe in the present story and not get distracted by the flashbacks, when in both the present and the past the emotions are so honest and real.
George's heartbreak and loneliness is palpable and heart wrenching. Besides "The King's Speech" this is most certainly Firth's strongest performance to date. A film set in one day of one man's life. It is about love and loss and how we do or do not survive the pain.
