De-Lovely

De-Lovely is a 2004 musical biopic drama, directed by Irwin Winkler, that fabulously traces the life of American-born songwriter and composer, Cole Porter, brilliantly portrayed by Kevin Kline. Co-starring Ashley Judd and Jonathan Pryce, De-Lovely invites audiences to step back in time into a world where glitz, glamour, and music encapsulate every moment, and where the boundaries of love, fame, and tragedy blur to create a most delightful cinematic experience.

The film opens with an elderly Cole Porter being visited by Gabe (Jonathan Pryce), a theatrical director who promises to show the legendary musician his life through a musical. As Gabe takes Porter through the subtleties, the highs and lows, the drama of his life seamlessly translates into stage performances, acting as a concise depiction of the narrative of Porter's life journey. This avant-garde approach to storytelling sets the stage for an exploration of Porter's challenges and achievements in life, serving as much more than just a brilliant musical journey.

Kevin Kline shines as Cole Porter in a delightful performance that captures the soul and melodies of Porter's genius. He convincingly portrays Porter's charm, talent, charisma, and inner turmoil, illuminating the complicated and complex life of the celebrated composer. Ashley Judd gives an exceptional performance as Linda Lee Thomas, Porter's wife. The dynamics of their relationship—full of love, understanding, suffering, and devotion — form the crux of the narrative. Notably, the film bravely portrays the nature of Porter's bisexuality, handled with admirable sensitivity and balance.

De-Lovely is gracefully replete with elaborate musical numbers featuring Porter's own works, blending them seamlessly into the narrative. Viewers will find themselves captivated by these musical delights, such as "Anything Goes," "Let's Do It," "Let's Misbehave," and the eponymous "De-Lovely." These musical scenes gift audiences a Broadway experience, featuring guest appearances from renowned musicians such as Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, and others. The film not only captures the essence of the Jazz Age and the ostentatious life of the high society but also presents the golden age of Hollywood in an evocative and nostalgic manner.

De-Lovely successfully presents the paradoxes of Porter's life – a publicly celebrated, outgoing musician and privately, a man torn aside by his own desires and pivotal choices he made in life. The movie uses music as a means to reveal his complex character and to underline his inner turmoils. The movie portrays a relatively unspoken-of side of Porter’s life, highlighting successes and failures in his career and relationships alike, rendering a realistic view into his life rather than glorifying his stardom.

The film’s visual treatment is impressive as it carefully captures the essence of the yesteryears — from the stylish costumes, embodying the spirit of the era, to the spectacular set designs transporting viewers to locations such as glamorous parties in Paris and Venetian palaces. All these elements come together to depict a vivid picture of the world that Porter lived in.

De-Lovely is an enchanting and well-crafted homage to one of America's most celebrated composers. It fully immerses audiences in the glamour and allure of the world in which Cole Porter lived. Simultaneously, it offers an intimate and vulnerable look at his life, marked by trials, tribulations, and immense success. With a complementing blend of drama, romance, and music, De-Lovely spills out a heart-warming narrative that, just like Porter's songs, stirs the soul and warms the heart in equal measure.

In essence, the charm of De-Lovely lies in its ability to transport audiences to a bygone era of glitz, glamour, and wonderful music. It offers a compelling narrative that explores the compelling and complex life of a musical visionary, decorated with memorable melodies that leave a lasting impression. The film is a must-watch for fans of musical biopics, dramatic depictions of historical figures, and of course, fans of the legendary Cole Porter.