From Hardy Amies in 2001: A Space Odyssey to Yves Saint Laurent in Luis Bunuel’s Belle de Jour, couturiers in film increasingly took prominence. However, true creative work was never exhibited.Nothing outrageous, nothing provocative, boring (but beautifully) classic designs dominated the silver screen.

No one but Tom Ford.

We’re not saying Mr. Ford (pictured left) didn’t dress Bond in Quantum of Solace, we’re saying he’s the first in Hollywood to direct and direct well. Before he obtained the rights to Christopher Isherwood’s A Single Man, Ford earned his movie seed money from his first real call to fame as the creative director of Gucci. Far from a self-indulgent project, his first attempt coaxed an Oscar-nominated performance from Colin Firth. While we’re certain that ’60s fashion and a supporting crew of Mad Men production teams certainly inspired the sense of style that permeates the film, Mr. Ford has proven himself capable behind the camera and deft with the lighting; the product is an impeccable film from a single man that admits he knew nothing about movie making.

Conversely, his critics feel his success is but a one hit wonder. According to prominent film critic Nick James, “Ford has the wealth and prestige to make the film he wanted to make free from studio micromanagement. It’s no accident that most great independent directors of Europe were independently wealthy.” We don’t know if he’ll continue making movies as good as this one, but as far as we’re concerned, he’s put his own money and soul into a laudable end product that will make other more experienced career directors weep.

A Single Man trailer from August Man on Vimeo.