De-Lovely

aka: Delovely
USA 2004, 120 minutes
Dir. Irwin Winkler
Rating: [PG]
Genres: Drama / Musical, Jazz & Blues, LGBT

Topics: Biopic, Period 1940s.

Feat. Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce

Aroview: Refined and dandy musical biopic of legendary tunesmith Cole Porter, who composed some great music while leading a gay double-life during his marriage to his generous but long-suffering wife, Linda Lee.

With an aged Porter himself (played by Kline) onlooking the production of his life, this plays as a tribute to a beloved American icon, glossing over the less-savoury details with lavish melodrama and elaborately staged versions of Cole's greatest hits (featuring cameo performances from Robbie Williams, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Alanis Morrissette, among others). Especially recommended for those with a soft spot for this particular brand of nostalgia.

NZ International Film Festival 2004