Review of De-Lovely (2004) by Joe B — 21 Jan 2008
This stylish, avant-garde bio-pic about bi-sexual composer Cole Porter is slow to start and at least half an hour too long, but contains strong acting and some spirited performances of many beloved tunes. The frame story involves an eldery Porter watching the dress rehearsal of a stageshow based on his life, and one of the better gags involves the commentary from the old Cole, continuously criticizing the on-screen actions of the young (Kevin Kline) Cole.
There's so much style on display here (the final shot in particular is haunting, if vaguely reminiscent of "Titanic"), and yet the film never quite gels. De-Lovely is an ambitious failure, but it gets points for trying something different with one of the most tired of cinematic sub-genres.
(Doctor Who fans, look for John "Captain Jack" Barrowman in a small role.).
This review of De-Lovely (2004) was written by Joe B on 21 Jan 2008.
De-Lovely has generally received positive reviews.
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