In Tom Ford's feature length directing debut, he comes in with an intimately interior film that allows the senses to be enhanced which lead to a romance with the world around us even in the midst of such pain and loss. Ford's use of color enhancement mid-scene allows us to experience what George is experiencing, a fully present moment where he truly sees the beauty of what is before him. This sensory experience is one that we in our age of instant gratification do not allow to happen so often and Ford uses George as a catalyst to teach us the meaning of a moment and the meaning of that moment for the other person we are experiencing it with. George is a man that doesn't want to live in a world that doesn't include sentiment and Ford reveals this world without it becoming sentimental to the audience, but experiential.
Mr. Ford also uses flashbacks in the film: they are specific memories that come into George's mind, little moments that anyone who has lost anyone knows. They are times that are not monumental, but contain the essence of love and what was lost. Ford, being a first-time director really does an incredible job of world creation. It feels as though we are not just in 1962 Los Angeles, but existing in the world of that time. Set design and costume certainly an expertise of the renowned fashion designer are elements that bring this film to another level. That allow us to walk with George through the last day of his life.
