The articulate and thoughtful Colin Firth gives a great interview to Brandon Voss at The Advocate about A Single Man. Though he continues to emphasize that George's gayness isn't an issue—he does at least clarify that he equates one's gayness mattering with struggling with one's sexuality—he pulls no punches when asked about Weinstein Co.'s alleged "de-gaying" of the film.
Voss asks if de-gaying it in the marketing does the film a "disservice," to which Firth replies:
"Yes, I do. It 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."
Voss also asks the question I tried to ask Firth at the film's press day this week but never got a chance to, namely, did he feel any trepidation in playing gay in the '80s as opposed to now. The answer is "it didn't cross my mind for a second," but had I asked it, I would've mentioned his gay role in Apartment Zero. I was surprised to read Voss's piece and discover that Firth has played so many gay roles. I guess it's a British thing, or maybe just that he is the non-caveman who says yes to them.
Colin Firth will, and always will be, a gentleman actor of the highest grade. True, true talent.
Posted by: craig | December 09, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Ta-Dah!
Posted by: David Ehrenstein | December 09, 2009 at 10:36 PM
http://www.laweekly.com/2009-12-10/film-tv/a-visible-man/
Posted by: David Ehrenstein | December 09, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Colin Firth went the drama school/classic stage training route. His big break was with the stage version of Another Country (with Kenny Everett. I mean, Rufus Everett).
Coming up through theatre, actors aren't taught to fear gay/non-convential/"controversial" roles, at least in the U.K.
Posted by: John | December 10, 2009 at 01:38 AM