A Single Man

I just saw Submarine last night (another free college screening) and realized how much I missed doing "fashion in film posts" so I've decided to take a break from Fall Fabrics, my mini series. Originally I was afraid that I wouldn't have the time to go in depth for A Single Man and Io sono l'amore (I am Love), but I gathered it wouldn't be fair to the actors, the director and everybody involved with the production who came out with two such wonderful movies. Therefore to show my deep appreciation for their work, the two films did need their own respective posts. The reason why I love A Single Man really is a no brainer. I mean Tom Ford + Colin Firth + Julianne Moore + Jon Kortajarena + Nicholas Hoult + Matthew Goode + great clothes + super soundtrack = what's not to love?


The mohair type sweater Kenny sports (who is played by Nicholas Hoult) is particularly en vogue this season. I love everything the students wear and I find the neutral earthy tones to be very inspiring for fall. The students manage to look extremely presentable and stylish yet not stuffy or overtly formal–qualities that I too am trying to incorporate into my wardrobe.


Apart from the pretty faces, I love the aesthetics of the film and it's Mad Men-like attention to detail.  I like to think the reason is because Tom Ford is the director behind it all. I had my reservations about this film at first because we see so many hyphenated career descriptions are too common place nowadays, ex. model-actress-fashion designer-director-muse etc. and while it is possible to dabble in many side projects, to master each and everyone of them is highly unlikely. Ford wonderfully surprised me with his directorial debut. I am a fan of highly stylized movies and he has a definite feel of an auteur, in that he has complete grasp of how the film is supposed to sound, look and feel, down to every single rich detail. We have been inundated with so many period films featuring the 60s, it's about time that we have somebody with the proper finesse to execute their vision and set the bar high enough.


Julianne Moore was fantastic in her role as Charley, a hyper dysfunctional close friend. I feel obligated to devote more time to her style as a female myself, but it is the menswear (oh menswear) that caught my eye in the film. Big poofy hairdos, dramatic eyeliners and mod black and white dresses does not interests me as much as the interiors of her house (or menswear in general). The house is lavishly decorated with much opulence and pizzazz. The details of the furniture and choice in use of many prints reminds me of the arts and crafts movement with hints of art deco thrown in here and there.



Having visited a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the past, the wooden panelling, the low cramped ceiling, the narrow corridors, the many built-in spaces, the general darkness of the house and the use of indirect lighting made me think that this house was built by the modern master himself. I wasn't too far off when I learnt that the true architect of the house, John Lautner, was an apprentice to Wright in a program at Tallesin. It must have been a challenge to film at the house, with the inconvenient lighting and inability to move around freely with little room to experiment with different angles and shots.



This is film is supposed to be about the aesthetics but it is incredibly hard to ignore Ford's frank portrayal of love between two individuals, who both just happen to be men. Colin Firth's acting was outstanding in portraying a depressed tormented man whose lover has died and lost his raison d'ĂȘtre (I still think he was robbed of his Oscar). Though I enjoy a good laugh and will always been in need of a sassy gay friend, it's frustrating to see how they are continually stereotyped. Another issue that bugs me is the fact that "being gay" is somehow a full time occupation, that one cannot also be leader, visionary or a thinker without the attachment of the label. So thank you Mr. Ford, for creating a film that is simultaneously intellectually stimulating and incredibly visually appealing.


Screen caps via Screen Musings


35 comments:

Clara Turbay said...

love it.
please come to see mine.
http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com

English Muse said...

A Single Man is one of the most beautiful films ever. Colin Firth is brilliant. The phone call scene was so heart wrenching.

danica said...

i have to see this film asap as i missed it at the cinema last year! i didn't realise that nicholas hoult was in it either.

more fashion in film posts please, joy :)

Sandra said...

I didn't get around to watch A single man, but judging your screen captures feels like a beautiful movie in terms of fashion and photography.
The one that I did see was Submarine, and loved everything from it!
The music, the scenery, the photography, the fashion, the actors are amazing, and the story is amusing and so cute in the end!

misslikey said...

one of the best movies.costumes are amazing.

Isabella | THE PILE OF STYLE said...

This is amazing! I love to follow your posts you're an inspiration!

see mine?
http://thepileofstyle.blogspot.com/
:*

Luna S said...

you've officially persuaded me to see both! gorgeous blog xx

love always,
laken
http://chaitealattefashion.blogspot.com

Coury Combs said...

SWOOOOOON.

Audrey said...

love the post and love the film!

ROWE

Unknown said...

I wish I had seen this when it was in the cinema. It is definitely on my to watch list now, the screencaps are wonderful.

Unknown said...

I haven't seen this film, but it looks beautifully shot. I think I've chosen my Sunday movie night film.. ; )

xoxo

Anastasia said...

this damn beautiful movie is so so beautiful and that's all it needs to be <3

anastasia

daniela kate morosini said...

i love richard ayoade, he's so fab! xoxo

Flashes of Style said...

This looks so good! <3

xoxo,

Bonnie

http://flashesofstyle.blogspot.com

.sabo skirt. said...

Great blog! Photos are cool!

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Fabrizia Spinelli said...

Such a great movie, I like it!
Take a look at my blog, and if you like it follow me, I’ll be waiting for you!

Cosa mi metto???

Justyna said...

i have yet to see this film, but can't wait to! great post!

Unknown said...

hey hun, I just discovered your blog, and really love it!!! You have a great style and are really inspiring. Definitely have a new follower and a fan! If you get a chance pop up by my page, maybe you would like it ;) xoxoTamara

Hila said...

I haven't seen this film, but you've made me want to watch it. Must find a copy of it. What a great post!

Jessamyn Read said...

I need to see this film now!
http://jessamynread.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I've been desperate to see this movie for ages, but still waiting for it to arrive! Tom Ford, what a guy! I bet I'll be very inspired by not only the film, but also, the fashion!

Awesome post :)

Girl about Town XxX

Natalie Charlotte Turner said...

Havent seen it! Maybe I should!

www.skippinginheels.com

Rhianne said...

how have I not seen this film? Its been on our list for ages but we've never actually watched it... we really should.

Kasia. said...

I know what I will watching tonight :)
Thanks a lot, I'm your new follower ;)

Monica said...

This is one of my favorite movies. I was curious at first because fashion designer turned director didn't give me much hope. But I was pleasantly surprised!! The music, the visuals, and above all just the emotional quality!

monicapendergrass.tumblr

A.U.G. said...

My favorite quote from the movie: “A few times in my life I’ve had moment of absolute clarity, when for a brief moments the silence drowns out the noise and I can feel rather than think, things seem so sharp, the world seems so fresh, it is as if it had all just come into existence, I can never make these moments last, I cling to them but like everything they fade, I lived my life on these moments-they pull me back to the present and I realize that everything is exactly the way it is meant to be.”

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

agreed, that was such a good movie! Acting and styling. The Talented Mr. Ripley is also a movie that has both awesome acting and styling in it too :)

GG said...

I've never seen this film but I will be watching it tonight. As a huge fan of Mad Men this looks right up my street. Really stylish. Thank you. GG

Sarah Et Paris said...

Loved this movie. It just proves that Tom Ford is good at EVERYTHING! the clothing & scenery were beautiful

soph // and other things said...

This is such a great post. The entire feel of the film - fashion, cinematography - is so visually appealing.

Margaret said...

I love the styling in this movie, I've never wached it myself but I'll definitely do it as soon as possible ! <3

GIAA said...

I really have to see this movie

http://giaa-fashion.blogspot.com

Anne said...

I wasn't sure but I convinced my to finally watch this movie ^-^
your blog is very very ,very interesting.
thanks!

sweet harvest moon said...

LOVE that movie! (and Colin haha)

Joy said...

@English Muse: I know! Colin Firth's most brilliant moment in the movie in my opinion.

@danica: please see it! it's great. nicholas hoult is REALLY REALLY pretty here (though there is jon k.). more fashion in film posts coming right up soon :)

@Sandra: Submarine was so cute. I think you'll find ASM to be as equally (if not more) enjoyable.

@misslikey: most def!

@Laken Linnea: haha. you must!

@Coury Combs: IA. MTE.

Audrey: Thank you!

@Mademoiselle Frou-Frou: Hope you liked it!

@Anastasia: YES. YES. YES. But the great thing about the film was that it has heart too. Which just made it all the more better!

@Justyna, Tamara, Hila: TY :)

@Girl about town...: you will be for sure.

@Rhianne: Oh please do.

@Kasia.: TY. I hope you'll like what you see.

@Monica: Yup yup yup.

@AUG: THE BEST LINES IN THE MOVIE. It's something I've come to live by as well.

@Ashley/MILK TEETHS: Yeah I'm trying to get my hands on TTMR soon and watch that thing.

@GG: I just looked it up and the same Mad Men production was involved with the props and costumes. No wonder.

@Sarah Et Paris: Yup. I wonder what he ISN'T good at.

@Anne: Thank you. I will try my very best to make sure it keeps continuing to be so this way.

@Sweet Harvest Moon: This film boils down to Colin Firth. Colin Firth. And Colin Firth wearing impeccable Tom Ford suits.