Reel Critic:

Colin Firth is an actor who resides somewhat on the periphery of public consciousness. The British actor has continually worked since the early 1980s and has appeared in some well-known films, including “Girl With a Pearl Earring,” “Love Actually” and “Mamma Mia!” among others. Nonetheless, he has probably remained nothing more than a familiar face to American audiences.

Firth’s star may rise a bit with his Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his performance in “A Single Man.” Set in Los Angeles in 1962 against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the movie stars Firth as George Falconer, a 52-year-old British college professor who is trying to find meaning in his life after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Jim (Matthew Goode).

George dwells in the past, as he cannot visualize a future, and wonders if life is still worth living. He is consoled by his close friend Charley (Julianne Moore), a still-beautiful 48-year-old woman with whom he was once intimate. George is also being stalked by Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), one of his students. Kenny somehow feels George is a kindred spirit and can help him come to grips with his true nature.

The entire action of “A Single Man” takes place over a single day as George tries to decide if there is meaning to life after Jim. As a result, the story moves very leisurely as one waits for it to unfold. However, there is really not more than meets the eye, and the plot is very realistic in the sense that most people are somewhat directionless, especially when in crisis.

Several plot elements are so subtle they are sometimes hard to notice. Most notable in this regard is the Cuban Missile Crisis, which represents a vague threat and the ultimate uncertainty of life without directly informing the story in any way.

The film is based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. The movie was written, directed and produced by Tom Ford, a renowned fashion designer in addition to being a filmmaker. Accordingly, the film is rich in period correct details, including the costumes, architecture, automobiles and music.

“A Single Man” is a dark and often depressing movie. The central theme seems to be the aching loneliness of the human condition that is only sporadically relieved by the few meaningful relationships one can cultivate over the course of a lifetime. Certainly, George and Charley have arrived at a severe low point simultaneously and climbing out of the emotional abyss will be difficult if not impossible.

I witnessed a few patrons actually walking out of the showing I attended. Despite the problems with pace and subject matter, Firth gives a magnificent performance. However, in my view, it is not worth sifting through the detritus just to see Firth. If at all, I would recommend waiting for this film to be released on DVD.

VAN NOVACK is the assistant vice president of institutional research and assessment at Cal State Long Beach and lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Elizabeth.