De-Lovely (2004)
MATURE THEMES, SEXUAL REFERENCES, LOW LEVEL COARSE LANGUAGE
De-lovely is an original musical portrait of American composer Cole Porter, filled with his unforgettable songs. In the film, Porter is looking back on his life as if it was one of his spectacular stage shows, with the people and events of his life becoming the actors and action onstage. Through elaborate production numbers and legendary hits like "Anything Goes," "It's De-lovely," and "Night and Day," Porter's elegant, excessive past comes to light - including his deeply complicated relationship with his wife and muse, Linda Lee Porter.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 125mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (66)
66 Member
Reviews
Jan
says
A great movie, thoroughly enjoyable
Colleen
says
I love Kevin Kline, and I really like how they laid this movie out. Casting was fantastic, and you can't go wrong with Cole Porter. A lovely film to watch.
Tony
says
Nice movie, well acted and well conceived. I thought it better than its two and a half star rating.
BRANDIVINO
says
This is a really good story of Cole Porter, if you love his music, you will appreciate seeing this. Fab! I will hire again
Peter E.
says
Love Cole Porter music- therefore I enjoyed the movie but not to the extent that I thought I would enjoy it.
bo
says
Although this is in no way a "bio" flick, it is one of the most breathtakingly imaginative movies of the last few years. Knowing Porters music would help, but it wouldn't be any hindrance to enjoying this wonderful movie.
Michelle
says
Fantastic cast, beautiful score and put together beautifully, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jacqui R.
says
Phenomenal movie, absolutely loved it! Beautiful music and a truly heart-wrenching yet uplifting story intertwined in a musical. A must see!
Uncle Ron
says
Great photography, costumes, scenery, script and acting - outdone only by the music. Performances by Robbie Williams, Elvis Costelo, Diana Krall and many other are top-line. Kevin Kline - you have done it again. A tremendous performance under the guidance and direction of Irwin Winkler
Jennifer C.
says
I enjoyed the wonderful music which made up for taking great liberties with the true Cole Porter story, but it was entertaining never the less
madmarg
says
I deliberately watched this film and "Night & Day" following each other. I thought Kevin Kline & Ashley Judd were great in their roles. Undoubtedly the historical fact in this version of the Cole Porter story was more accurate but I really enjoyed the other version of the Cole Porter story more, even though more of the content was fantasy, I found the film more entertaining than this version. Whilst I did not like Sheryl Crow's version of Begin the Beguine, I thought Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello and Allanis Morrisett were great. Overall the score was great. but of course why wouldn't it be - it was Cole Porter's music.
Gene G.
says
whoever produced this movie did not have a good insight into the life and music of Cole Porter. a very rich and good story so poorly depicted. Zero minus stars.
Narelle H.
says
Kate B.
says
This is the most beautiful and romantic movie that I have seen in ten years. IT's lovely, it's delicious, it de-lovely. yeah!
It's so wonderful and the acting was amazing, with the feeling of serenity and it felt like you were watching the real story itself.
Amanda O.
says
Every mans nightmare with all the singing and songs.
Alison S.
says
This movie was reminiscent of All that Jazz with the Angel of Death leading the protagonist through a musical revision of their life.
Kevin Kline was super, and I did enjoy the music, but overall the film was a bit disjointed due no doubt to issues around length and budget!
If you don't like Cole Porter songs or musicals then you won't like this - I do so I did :-) My husband didn't!
Audrey L.
says
Absolutely excellent. Maintained enough drama and story line so that it wasn't just one song after another.
Anita G.
says
Narelle H.
says
This is a very delightful movie and a great story on Cole Porter, I would advise anyone that likes his music to rent or buy as you will not be sorry.
Bridget O.
says
A little boring, unless you really like Cole Porter's music. Some interesting cameos, think it was Robbie Williams & Elvis Costello? Did not watch it to the end though
Lynn H.
says
A very differant approach to this mans life, the way it was fimed was extremley clever. Well worth watching.
Leigh W.
says
Cole Porters music is known and loved by Young and old. I watched this movie twice and got as much from the second viewing as the first. It would be a great addition to anyones collection.
Michele B.
says
Catherine H.
says
I didn't even finish watching this movie. I found it a bit boring actually.
JB
says
Robert G.
says
If you feel like switching it off, persevere, it is worth the initial effort.
Kathleen S.
says
If you like Cole Porter music, this is the Top! Excellent sets, music, singers, fabulous Ashley Judd. Extras on DVA were excellent. I watched all extras twice & movie 3 times.
Shirley L.
says
Did not like it much - very slow for a late night watch. No romance much at all.
Di H.
says
Misconceived device of deceased Porter reviewing a musical of his songs/life, and very badly executed. The musical numbers however were well done, particular bouquets to Elvis Costello for "Let's Misbehave" and Natalie Cole for "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye", and a very big brickbat to Sheryl Crow for "Begin the Beguine - which did NOT use the famous tune - and the why not was not explained - surely it was intentional? Was this Porter's first draft? If not, why use an inferior melody? Ghastly!
E Gaye A.
says
Keep the tissues handy. Good portrayal by all the actors.
Bev M.
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Andrew F.
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Josephine K.
says
In a word -- boring. Didnt finish watching it.Not even Cole Porter's wonderful songs helped.
Lynne W.
says
Have had people staying with me last three weeks, so didn't get to see the movie in peace. Will make a difference when I'm on my own again.
Wendy J.
says
very slow - odd perspective on the story?????
Bruce R.
says
Catriona C.
says
Weird, not what I was expecing, didn't really watch it or understand what was going on.
Daphne
says
Lorene J.
says
Watching this movie is a treat for all the senses...the music, the clothes, the cinematography, the story itself. The extra feature is really very interesting. Should be one for the collection - it's so easy to watch and enjoy.
Christine C.
says
Alison H.
says
I would have preferred more about the life of Cole Porter and less of the musical extravaganza.
Amanda
says
Enjoyable - spot the celebrity singers/performers doing great Cole Porter numbers!
Peter M.
says
Good tunes but storyline is continually interrupted by the star in his old age commenting on his early life.
Not necessary and spoils the continuity.
Mal W.
says
Linda C.
says
Bob M.
says
An excellent movie. Not to be missed.
Gillian Margaret E.
says
Beautifully acted by Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd. Touching story and absolutely brilliant treatment of the Cole Porter songs with current artists such as Alanis Morisette and Robbie Williams.
David B.
says
a wonderful celebration of the life and music of Cole Porter. A great movie for musical theatre buffs. Wonderful to see a Hollywood movie pull no punches with the homosexual aspect as well. Only slight bad point is the use of some 'current' pop stars to sing some of Cole Porter's songs. But otherwise and excellent movie!
Rob
says
A fair re-make of the earlier version - Night and Day - starring Cary Grant & Alexis Smith. Lots of song & dance in this re-make. It did not shy away from the realities of Cole Porter's sexuality as did the earlier version (which did not even touch on it).
Michelle C.
says
Margaret Foley
says
Philip Du Rhone
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Amelia Hannaford
says
A really de-lovely film charting the life of cole porter to his music. sympathetic performances from Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd lift this film although it goes close to schmaltzy at times
nml
says
...and I have even sung in a Cole Porter show! This was just annoying and painful. The music renditions were nice though.
Tony
says
Lacking "special effects" and explosions this film will not appeal to everyone, but for those it does it is a jewel. The seamless blending of music and drama tells Porter's story with integrity and compassion. Make-up deserves special mention. A most imaginative concept from start to finish and five star acting.
Chrissi Hayward
says
Ron
says
What a great musical of Cole Porter songs, great backdrops and it manages to tell an easy to follow story of his life while also featuring many songs - everything is well done!
Verity Daly
says
The music was superb. I think his wife was wonderful!
Paz Alfonso
says
Entertaining film, beautiful costumes, the decoration has been carefully done to accord with the period. However, the characters are not convincing, I found Kevin Kline pretty wooden. Still, a painless way to spend a few hours.
Joanne Rogers
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Rena Sofroniou
says
Liked it, except for Pryce bursting into song: OK they MEANT it to be a wacky musical take on the biog, but I wish the angel Gabriel hadn't taken to singing in that alarming way...
Susan Nicoll
says
Wonderful movie which shows the life of Col Porter through a series of flashbacks. Great acting by Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd with Kevin Kline singing some of the great songs. It has all aspects of a great movie - drama/romance/music. Great soundtrack.
Maurice
says
It is hard to accept tall angular Kevin Kline as the small effete Porter. Enjoyable nevertheless.
Ern Carne
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Nerida Tait
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