Jarrod Klawinsky takes an in-depth look at the Texas-born designer’s directorial debut and his future plans as a director and designer.
Many people have heroes or icons, most often placing them on pedestals. I will not go that far but I do admit that I have admired Tom Ford for as many years as I can recall, drawing many similarities between us: from his viewpoint on the world, his spirituality, and seeing much of myself in how he describes his wayward youth. So, when I heard the famed Texas-born designer was finally taking a break from the fashion world to embark in his longtime passion, film making, suffice it to say, I was thrilled.
Those who know or are aware of Mr. Ford know that he is a perfectionist. He oversees every step and every process in his Tom Ford menswear label, from the advertising (which he photographs himself) to the hairstyles the waiters have at his parties. Everything must pass his approval. It is that special formula of perfectionism, power and hypersexual work that led him to revolutionize the Gucci and YSL labels transforming the almost defunct luxury goods brands into two of the most successful in the world. After his very public departure in 2004, he considered retirement (buying a set of golf clubs, which he used once) but that did not suit Mr. Ford. Instead, he lent his talent to Estee Lauder, created suits for Zegna, guest edited Vanity Fair‘s “Hollywood Issue”, and in 2006 opened his eponymous Tom Ford label and boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Five years later, he takes that same approach to his directorial debut in A Single Man, an adaptation of Christopher Isherwood 1964 novel of the same name. The film chronicles a single day in the life of Los Angeles literary professor, George Falconer, (Colin Firth) who struggles to break free of the grief over the death of his longtime lover Jim (Matthew Goode). The ever-glamourous Julianne Moore also makes an appearance as George’s friend, the gin-soaked divorcee, Charley.
Described by famed author Edmund White as “one of the first and best novels of the modern gay liberations movement,” Ford’s adaptation has already earned Colin Firth the award for ‘Best Actor’ at the Venice Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination. But while the film centers around a romance between two men, Ford stresses that he didn’t think about making a film with gay characters. “I want to make sure that people don’t think this is a gay film, because it is a universal film…we all go through the same things in life – romance, grief, isolation, and trying to come to an understanding of what life is about,” he explained to W Magazine. “I wouldn’t want someone not to see it, thinking it is a gay love story. That’s not the core of the film.”
After attending a special screening, I was transported into Ford’s world of crisp Italian made suits and minimalist Scandinavian furniture. But The Independent put it best, “fashion shares with film an ability to fetishise form, gender, sexuality – all the juicy subtexts of life as we know it, as a means of building characters.” Old Hollywood costume designers understood that fact but designer-cum-directors are almost unheard of, until now. Ford’s ability to work with the smallest of details made me feel much more than just transported. I was ensconced, a voyeur in George Falconer’s world. The picture, set in the 1960s, is the epitome of haute Hollywood glamour.
What amazed me even more were the details that Ford brought in from his own life. Falconer is the last name of Ford’s first boyfriend. His terriers, India and Angus make an appearance as does Richard Buckley, his partner of over 20 years. The infusion of Ford’s world makes the film very personal to him. “There is a good deal of my soul, if one has a soul, in that film,” he said in a recent interview. “I’ve never shown that side of myself.” And although he scoffs at the comparison avid Mad Men fans will notice similarities, from the gorgeously rendered interiors that capture each characters personality to the voice-only appearance by Jon Hamm.
The 48-year-old has said he hopes to make films every three years. He will debut his first womenswear collection, since Gucci, in 2011 but now, his central focus is film making. His next picture, which he refuses to discuss, is due out in 2012. — JK
A Single Man debuted in selected theaters on December 11 with a much wider release this month. The film has also been nominated for three Golden Globe awards including, Best Original Score, Best Actor, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Images courtesy of The Weinstein Company
