Click to read the article
De-Lovely (2004)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:151
Fresh:74
Rotten:77
Average Rating:5.7/10
Consensus: Musical numbers save movie from cliches.
Theatrical Release:Jul 2, 2004 Limited
Box Office: $13,148,028
Synopsis: Directed by Irwin Winkler, DE-LOVELY depicts the life of the great American composer Cole Porter (Kevin Kline). Despite his sexual preference for men, Porter found inspiration and virtually... Directed by Irwin Winkler, DE-LOVELY depicts the life of the great American composer Cole Porter (Kevin Kline). Despite his sexual preference for men, Porter found inspiration and virtually unconditional love with Linda Lee (Ashley Judd). Told in flashback as Porter is near death, the film follows the Porters' fabulous, unconventional relationship from their meeting in Paris to their subsequent moves to Venice, New York, Hollywood, and Williamstown, as well as the many stops along the way. Kline perfectly captures the Porters' zest for life and seemingly inexhaustible need for love. Classic tunes such as "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love," "Let's Misbehave," and "Anything Goes" take on whole new meanings when considered in the context of Porter and Lee's life together. Contemporary musical performers, including Alanis Morissette, Natalie Cole, Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello, and Sheryl Crow, appear in the film singing Porter standards, a device that works surprisingly well. Judd holds her own as the devoted Linda, who gives her love to Porter and supports his musical ambitions while trying to overlook his homosexual affairs. Historians may debate the details of the Porters' relationship, but one thing is clear: DE-LOVELY dazzles with great music, period costumes, and fine performances. [More]
Starring: Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, Keith Allen
Starring: Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, Keith Allen, Natalie Cole, Angie Hill
Director: Irwin Winkler
Director: Irwin Winkler
Screenwriter: Jay Cocks
Producer: Irwin Winkler, Rob Cowan, Charles Winkler
Composer: Cole Porter
Studio: MGM/UA
Get This Movie
Reviews for De-Lovely
More imagination than inquiry, this cautiously reverential tale reaches for aesthetic pleasure and emotion over insight.
If you ignore the plot and just approach the flick as nothing more than a 21st century update of a Busby Berkeley-style musical, you will not be disappointed.
Performances crackling with an enthusiasm that indicates how much Porter's work continues to be loved and respected.
Elegante e esteticamente admirável, este musical é um pouco mais longo do que deveria, mas as belas cançőes e os complexos planos concebidos por Winker acabam compensando.
The production numbers recap Porter's life using his own music. The concept is nothing if not original but it's the execution that causes the greatest strife.
...employs a bizarre structure that makes it virtually impossible to connect with anything or anyone on screen.
Emotionally week and distant, like watered-down soup. It provides poor nourishment.
An intelligent behind-the-scenes look at enduring love and enduring music.
...if I didn't already enjoy the composer's music, this movie would never have swayed to like it.
Kline and Judd are both good, but Cole Porter seems to have more sophistication than depth.
The movie does offer insight into a man whose lyrics now are underscored with the deeper, hidden rhythms of truth.
The least you can expect from a film celebrating a witty and stylish personality like Cole Porter is to be witty and stylish. But, alas, De-Lovely is neither.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 67% 67% | Bruno |
| 47% 47% | My Sister's Keeper |
| 66% 66% | Is Anybody There? |
| 82% 82% | Thirst |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

TECHLAND gives us a first look at the extras, including Leonard Nimoy's last day on set!

AV Club looks at a beloved cult classic, Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness.

TIME offers us a closer look at the characters from the latest Twilight film.

Moviefone lists their choices for the least attractive men in Hollywood.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!






