A Single Man

I had never heard of the move A Single Man, but the description at the Red Box kiosk stated that the movie had to do with a man living in America during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thinking that the movie would have something to do with History, I could not wait to watch it when I got home. Let me start out by saying this movie has very little to do with History. According to IMBD (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1315981/), the movie was released in 2009 and as of 18 April 2010 the box office gross in the United States has been a little over $9,000,000.

The movie was nominated for one Academy Award and three Golden Globes. The film stars Colin Firth as Prof. Falconer. You may remember Colin Firth as Harry in Mamma Mia! (2008). Julianne Moore plays the role of Charlie. You may remember Moore as Audrey Woods in Laws of Attraction (2004). Matthew Goode plays Jim. You may remember Goode as Adrian Veidt in Watchmen (2009). Nicholas Hoult plays Kenny Porter. You may have seen Hoult as Eusebios in Clash of the Titans (2010). The movie basically revolves around these four characters.

At the beginning of the movie we learn that Prof. Falconer has just lost his partner of 16 years (Jim) in a car wreck. Jim had went to visit his mom and Falconer received a phone call late one night from somebody close to the situation who advised Falconer that Jim's family did not want Falconer to be notified regarding the death. The caller also advised Jim that he would not be invited to the funeral since it was family only. At this point we kind of learn what this movie is going to be about.

The movie basically has two plots: a man trying to find his way after the death of his partner and the state of affairs in the gay community during the early 1960's. We see that Falconer feels lonely not only because he has just lost his partner but also (if you assume the movie is historically accurate) because being gay was not something you boldy proclaimed at this time.

As the movie procedes we learn that Falconer and Charlie (neighbors in the movie) have been friends for many years. Despite what seems to be a good friendship, Falconer is extremely lonely and this becomes evident to Kenny Porter (Falconer's student) during a lecture one day. After class Porter asks Falconer if he would like to have a drink sometime and Falconer advises him that he has things to attend to and that he will not be able to have a drink.

At this point there is no doubt that Falconer has decided to take his life because of his loneliness and sadness. He cleans out all of his bank accounts and purchases bullets for his gun. Despite the fact that Falconer is very unhappy with his life, he, literally, has a little trouble pulling the trigger and his friend Charlie calls to invite him over to supper in the middle of these troubles. Despite a good evening with Charlie, one would assume that Falconer is heading home to pull the trigger when he is interrupted by Porter. Porter and Falconer have their drink...

I will quit the summary portion of my review at this point so I do not ruin the ending for anybody. As I have stated before, I rented this movie assuming it would have a lot to do with the Cuban Missile Crisis and it had very little at all to do with this event. The movie was more about what it would be like to be a homosexual during this time in America's history. This is definitely not a movie I would see a second time and if I had it to all do over again I would have selected any other movie but this one when faced with the chance at the Red Box kiosk. The Motion Picture Association of America said this movie had "some disturbing images (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1315981/parentalguide#certification)." The word "some" is an understatement.