I’m a fan of Cole Porter’s music so factor that into your opinion of this review. Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd star in this movie-bio. The music is great and this film features a bunch of artists: Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall, Alantis Morissette, and Robbie Williams. For me, it’s all about the music. Special Features include commentary by the Director, Irwin Winkler, and the scriptwriter, Jay Cocks. I liked the “Making of De-Lovely” featurette. There are also “Deleted Scenes” and the original theatrical trailer included on this DVD. If you like this music, you’ll really enjoy this film. GRADE: B+
Have not caught up with this yet but the music is wonderful and it must be more credible than the biopic staring Cary Grant, which is a good laugh but 100% fiction!
Sergio, you will enjoy DE-LOVELY. The music is terrific!
George, I’m not familiar with Cole Porter’s music though it’s likely I might have listened to his songs a very long time ago. I have been wondering what happened to Ashley Judd.
Prashant, Cole Porter’s music pops up in commercials from time to time. And Ashley Judd shows up in contemporary movies from time to time.
At least this movie appears to be somewhat honest about Porter’s sexual orientation. I’m sure he and Linda loved each other, but their marriage was much more a friendship or a partnership than a true union of soulmates.
Have you read Liza Klaussmann’s excellent VILLA AMERICANA? I’ve been posting about it here and there. It’s a fictionalization of the lives of ex-pats Gerald & Sara Murphy and their coterie of famous friends (particularly Scott & Zelda). Cole & Linda appear in it–Sara and Linda had similar situations in their married life, but they handled them differently: Linda faced it head on, while Sara took a more oblique stance. I highly recommend it.
Deb, thanks for the recommendation of VILLA AMERICANA. I’ll track down a copy!
By coincidence, my Overlooked Movie today is a Cole Porter musical.
Bill, great minds think alike.
which one?
Thanks, George – Cole Porter was just a name for me until now.
Kiss me Kate -of course I’ve seen that and I also remember “high Society”, that was really fun to watch.
Though I didn’t know he was gay – the wiki about him and his wife is full of astonishing facts …
Wolf, Cole Porter was an underrated artist. I love his music and play it frequently. But he had a complicated life.
I like Porter’s songs a lot and Jackie is a huge Kevin Kline fan, so we watched it. They don’t really explain him but, as Deb says, it is pretty honest about his behavior, unlike the ludicrous NIGHT AND DAY with Cary Grant.
Jeff, Diane is a huge Kevin Kline fan, too.
I have the DVD, but I don’t think I have ever watched it. When it comes to the Great American Songbook, Porter rates at the top with Rodgers and Hart.
Kent, I totally agree with you! Cole Porter’s music is timeless.
Might be of interest, though I’m MUCH more likely to listen to Ella sing the Cole Porter Songbook. In fact, I may put that on later today. Thanks for the nudge.
Rick, listening to Ella sing Cole Porter sounds like a fine idea. I may just do the same thing!
I loved that movie. I also enjoyed Night and Day with Cary Grant, even though that ignored an aspect of his life. I love Porter’s music, and have that dvd. If my dvr wasn’t quite so full, I’d be watching it today. This is one of those movies (like love actually and first wives club) that I’ll usually watch at least part if i see them on tv.
Remember the dick van dyke show where Richie sings you’re the top? that may have been my first real memory of porter. And of course there’s the Wodehouse connection to Anything Goes. Last trip to NYC I saw that with Sutton Foster
Maggie, I’ve seen three different performances of ANYTHING GOES. Top-notch Cole Porter music! And the Wodehouse connection only makes it better.