Tom Ford’s ”A Single Man” well received, but does marketing downplay the gay?
”I was terrified with this. I was stepping out on a limb and exposing myself in a way I’ve never done before. But all along, I knew it would be the ultimate test of my theory, and that is, if you do anything – and do it honestly and truthfully – people will feel it and react…. I responded to Christopher’s writing when I first read it in my early twenties, and it was because of the way he depicted gay relationships in an absolutely straightforward, matter-of-fact way…. This book was groundbreaking in ’64, because no one had done that before.”
Tom Ford, the famed fashion designer, on his newest venture, a film adaptation on Christopher Isherwood‘s book, ”A Single Man.” Most reviews on have been very positive, nearly all seem to be wowed by the stylish, cinematic quality, though a few have called it thin. The basic story is set in the 1960s and looks at the life of a middle-aged English professor who has lost his gay lover in a car accident. The film adaptation stars Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. (National Post)
”I’m not saying that all gays should be depicted in a way where it doesn’t make an issue of it, but it should be considered a triumph when you finally have a character whose sexuality is secondary to the plot. It’s just about human feeling, and I think that’s wonderful…. [The marketing of the film] is deceptive. I don’t think they should do that because there’s nothing to sanitize. It’s a beautiful story of love between two men and I see no point in hiding that. People should see it for what it is.”
Actor Colin Firth responding to criticism of the Weinstein Company‘s marketing of Tom Ford‘s film adaptation of ”A Single Man.” Ford has apparently said the movie is not a gay film, but about life after the loss of a loved one. Some have criticized that approach and the emphasis on promotional imagery of the main character in scenes with his female friend, actress Julianne Moore. Firth has played several gay characters in his long acting career. (The Advocate)
”Some people grow up, they think they know who they are and there’s kind of a beat where suddenly nothing makes sense around them, why they’re here on Earth…. I never comment about Kenny’s sexual orientation because I think that’s something even he doesn’t really understand.”
Nicholas Hoult, 20, on his character Kenny in the newly released film, ”A Single Man.” Hoult previously played in the risque TV series ”Skins” where he starred as the trouble-making Tony. (LA Times)
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