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| | Label: MGM
Salesrank: 104556
Released: December 21, 2004 |
| Our Price: $8.96 |
| Used Price: $3.44 |
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MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
"The most unusual and enchanting musical in years" (Roger Ebert), this cinematic ode to legendary composer Cole Porter is at once buoyantly fun and "heartbreakingly beautiful" (Liz Smith). OscarÂ(r) winner* Kevin Kline (The Ice Storm) is "perfection" (Rolling Stone) as the elegant and deeply complex Porter in a film that offers "knockout performances" (Gene Shalit) from Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall, Alanis Morissette and Robbie Williams, and "melancholy, wit and style to burn" (The Philadelphia Inquirer)! From Paris to Venice to Broadway to Hollywood, the lives of Cole (Kline) and Linda (Ashley Judd) Porter were never less thanglamorous and wildly unconventional. Though Cole's thirst for life strained their marriage, Linda never stopped being his muse, inspiring some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century.*1988: Supporting Actor, A Fish Called Wanda
Description of De-Lovely:
It's astonishing that one man could have written so many memorable songs, but musical gems keep popping up in De-Lovely, about the life and loves of Cole Porter. Played by Kevin Kline (In & Out, A Fish Called Wanda), an elderly Porter is summoned by a mysterious director (Jonathan Pryce, Brazil) to view his own story, which unfolds as a series of theatrical tableaux. The movie is open (if a bit chaste) about Porter's homosexuality, but argues that the love of his life was still his devoted platonic relationship with Linda Lee (Ashley Judd, Ruby in Paradise, Kiss the Girls). Unfortunately, the narrative suffers from the fate of many biographies; by trying to cram in a person's entire life, it ends up a collection of snapshots without depth or context. The parade of celebrity singers (Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow) were apparently chosen for their jarringly modern vocal mannerisms. --Bret Fetzer
De-Lovely Reviews:
The critics got it wrong 
2009-08-29 - "De-Lovely" is a story based upon the life and music of song writer extraordinare, Cole Porter.
His music is the backdrop and spirit of the movie. It is performed by "star quality" people such as Natalie Cole, Robbie Williams and Cheryl Crow which adds a unique positive dimension to the movie.
The performances by the leads, Kevin Cline and Ashly Judd are sensitive, powerful and realistic. The supporting cast is equally up to putting further understanding to Porter and his wife.
The sets and costumes are idealized versions of life in the 30's and 40's of the upper classes. They are strikingly beautiful.
I've read the critical reviews which came out when the movie first appeared and feel those people got it wrong . . .again! They are so used to seeing a biography film done as a history lesson that they totally missed the spirit and flow of the film. (I understand critics had the same parochial/myopic tendencies in such films as Sound of Music and Music Man)
This film is certainly about Cole Porter's life as reflected in his music, his public life and his private life. It is not a "date" sensitive movie. It develops the complexity and conflicts of the characters by using the music as a cue. For example, the wedding scene uses the song, "De-Lovely" whose lyric discusses getting married and spontaneous things that lead to marriage. "Let's Misbehave" is part of a party sequence which describes a swinging part of Porter's life before he gets back into professional writing. "Experiment" leads into a part of the movie which deals with his many homosexual contacts. "Every time we say goodbye" is presented about the time Porter's wife dies. Each of these concepts is beautifully presented, with perfect emotion, and reality.
Lastly, if you are looking for a phony history lesson, get the movie about Cole Porter staring Cary Grant. If you are looking for a totally enjoyable film which captures the essence, wit, spirit and life of the man and his music, "De-Lovely" is the ticket. I have recommended this to each of my friends who did not see it because of the critical panning and each has concluded that the critics totally blew it. This is going to become the classic, long lasting, accurate definitive view of one of the world's greatest song writers.
The style's the thing 
2009-07-03 - This long, complex movie covered a lot of ground, and covered it unevenly. Cole Porter was a great songwriter, so the film is naturally loaded with great songs, but sometimes the film-makers' desire to get so very many performers into the act caused huge stylistic shifts. Some portions of the film were very campy and/or self-conscious, while others were detailed, realistic, and highly emotional. The overall effect was something like a scrapbook in which Polaroid prints, church bulletins, fading color photos, and excellent art photos are all squeezed onto the pages. I felt that somebody - the editor? Who? lost control of this movie, or that arguments were settled by letting everyone have his way for part of the film!
Since Cole Porter wrote such stylish, superb songs, it seems to me his life story could have been served with more continuity and class.
As for people that don't know about gay musicians who have wives, and even more or less love their wives after a fashion, well, try working as a musician for a quarter-century or so, as I did. You'll see it over and over again. Maybe nowadays these guys feel less pressure to marry a woman - I don't know.
So why did I give it four stars? It's the music, stupid! This great music is just - GREAT. Some of the performances were stunning. So it is enjoyable, and Kevin Kline did a wonderful job...you mean he really isn't Cole Porter? He seemed to be....I agree with those who say this film is a welcome change from the high-tech violence that we are commonly offered these days. We can use a little deloveliness once in a while.
De-Lovely
2009-05-09 - This is without a doubt the best movie musical ever....
All the songs you know and love take on a new meaning... Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd give the best performances of there lives...
and the music ain't bad either!!
2009-03-01 - this story, told so carefully and lovingly,left no doubt about the chosen lifestyle of it's central character without taking away from the deep love,respect and yet heartfelt regret of the way it 'had to be'.I thoroughly enjoyed this movie,its honesty and the skill of the actors so well cast in this case. Ashley Judd as the quintessential Linda( Lord can ANYONE cry prettier or more convincingly than she?) was the perfect foil for the devoted yet self indulgent lover that Cole was. their story broke my heart! the whole stylish presentation and attention to detail that only Mr Kline can offer the viewer is very apparent and appreciated.the fact that they wore the clothes of the period with such a natural air made one believe they were born to the period and not merely visiting. the only hiccup for me, and it was a minor one , was Sheryl Crows rendition of "Begin the Beguine" Don't expect the steamy ,rhythmic number that used to make us all close our eyes and surrender to the passion of the original mood of the song,instead,especially if you are "of the era" you may be jarred unforgivably into the modern world of music, But only for a moment, you will soon willingly retake your front row seat for the experience of Mr Klines' genius of interpretation. i have already watched this movie over and over and i thank everyone involved for this gift
De-lovely
2009-02-01 - Splendid biography of Cole Porter, nice way to show his music. Made to see lots and lots of times. Kevin Kline is perfect!
