Tom Ford’s directorial debut is getting great buzz for Colin Firth’s portrayal of an English college professor getting over the death of his male partner in 1960’s Los Angeles. Firth rarely gives a bad performance and though this isn’t one of his best, it’s quality enough to carry the whole film which would struggle a bit for purchase it was wasn’t for him. Ford’s film looks amazing, with particular use of colours from the coolest of blue hues to the most gorgeous brilliant yellows. However, is this a case of style over substance? As a film this is a study in grief, and it does a pretty good job. Firth plays the grieving single man with a perfect combination of the English stiff upper lipness and childlike vulnerability. Firth keeps his cards close to his chest most of the time, and during his many facial close up’s you just long to know what is going on behind the mask. That is until a possible suicide scene which is pretty badly handled by Ford. There is decent support provided by Nicholas Hoult and Julianne Moore, but their characters come across as slightly forced. Not as badly forced though as Firth’s car park liaison with a male Spanish prostitute which really does look like a fashion advert. So it appears to be awards galore for Firth and an honest if limited first attempt from Ford. Oh yeah, the suits are pretty good too.
The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Some first time directing slip-ups are just forgotten about thanks to Firth. Rating: 6/10.
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