There are enough glorious songs, energetically warbled by a host of modern pop stars, to keep us enthralled.
De-Lovely (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:151
Fresh:74
Rotten:77
Average Rating:5.7/10
Consensus: Musical numbers save movie from cliches.
Runtime: 2 hrs 5 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Directed by Irwin Winkler, DE-LOVELY depicts the life of the great American composer Cole Porter (Kevin Kline). Despite his sexual preference for men, Porter found inspiration and virtually... Directed by Irwin Winkler, DE-LOVELY depicts the life of the great American composer Cole Porter (Kevin Kline). Despite his sexual preference for men, Porter found inspiration and virtually unconditional love with Linda Lee (Ashley Judd). Told in flashback as Porter is near death, the film follows the Porters' fabulous, unconventional relationship from their meeting in Paris to their subsequent moves to Venice, New York, Hollywood, and Williamstown, as well as the many stops along the way. Kline perfectly captures the Porters' zest for life and seemingly inexhaustible need for love. Classic tunes such as "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love," "Let's Misbehave," and "Anything Goes" take on whole new meanings when considered in the context of Porter and Lee's life together. Contemporary musical performers, including Alanis Morissette, Natalie Cole, Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello, and Sheryl Crow, appear in the film singing Porter standards, a device that works surprisingly well. Judd holds her own as the devoted Linda, who gives her love to Porter and supports his musical ambitions while trying to overlook his homosexual affairs. Historians may debate the details of the Porters' relationship, but one thing is clear: DE-LOVELY dazzles with great music, period costumes, and fine performances. [More]
Starring: Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, Keith Allen
Starring: Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, Keith Allen, Natalie Cole, Angie Hill
Director: Irwin Winkler
Director: Irwin Winkler
Screenwriter: Jay Cocks
Producer: Irwin Winkler, Rob Cowan, Charles Winkler
Composer: Cole Porter
Studio: MGM/UA
Reviews for De-Lovely
A host of classy musicians like Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello and Natalie Cole, who cover Porter's music to further the plot, are simply de-magical.
If for no other reason (and there are assuredly other reasons), I recommend De-Lovely to my readers for its honorable role in opening another door to our ridiculously repressed past.
Functions beautifully from the context in which many of his songs are presented.
Director Irwin Winkler and screenwriter Jay Cocks know that Porter's songs are his story, and so they take care to weave his tunes seamlessly into their movie's structure.
The movie does offer insight into a man whose lyrics now are underscored with the deeper, hidden rhythms of truth.
De-Lovely is an unexpected delight giving us both the wonderful music of Cole Porter along with Kevin Kline's winning turn as the composer.
It's fun to see moderns like Elvis Costello, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall and Alanis Morissette 'doing' Porter.
An intelligent behind-the-scenes look at enduring love and enduring music.
When it is most successful, it is successful as a portrait of a marriage that had to be stronger than most because of a life spent dancing backward while wearing high heels.
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