De-Lovely Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A famous songwriter throws a very long pity party while being haunted by an angel who forces him to relive his complicated marriage and excessive lifestyle through a series of song and dance numbers.

🍿 De-Lovely: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Cole and Linda’s Meeting and Marriage

The film opens with an elderly Cole Porter, reflecting on his life as a musical. The story then jumps back to Paris in 1919 where he meets Linda Lee Thomas, a beautiful and wealthy divorcée. Despite Cole’s open acknowledgment of his homosexuality, they fall in love and marry, establishing a deeply affectionate and understanding relationship.

Success and Temptation

As Cole’s career takes off, he and Linda move to New York and later Hollywood. His success as a composer grows, but so does his infidelity with numerous young men. This takes a toll on Linda, who becomes increasingly isolated and lonely despite her enduring love for Cole.

Tragedy and Renewal

A debilitating horseback riding accident leaves Cole crippled, and Linda’s health begins to fail. These tragedies bring them closer together, renewing their commitment to each other. Their love deepens amidst personal struggles, highlighting the complex and enduring nature of their relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cole Porter (Kevin Kline): A brilliant but complex composer who grapples with his homosexuality and his deep love for his wife.
• Linda Porter (Ashley Judd): Cole Porter’s sophisticated and understanding wife who navigates their unconventional marriage with grace and heartbreak.
• Gabe (Jonathan Pryce): A mysterious figure who guides Cole Porter through a retrospective of his life as a theatrical production.
• Gerald Murphy (Kevin McNally): A wealthy expatriate and close friend of Cole and Linda Porter, representing their glamorous social circle.
• Monty Woolley (Allan Corduner): A witty and flamboyant friend of Cole Porter who provides companionship and creative inspiration.
• L.B. Mayer (Peter Polycarpou): The head of a Hollywood studio who seeks to have Porter write for movies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cole Porter: “Use your imagination, Gabe. That’s what this is all about.” – Cole encourages the director to be creative with his life story, reflecting the film’s approach to his biography.
• Linda Porter: “I don’t care, Cole. You just like them more than me.” – Linda’s acceptance of Cole’s sexuality, highlighting their unconventional but strong bond.
• Cole Porter: “It’s not about doing a life, it’s about doing a show.” – Cole’s meta-commentary on how his life is being presented as a theatrical production.
• Cole Porter: “Anything Goes.” – The title of one of Cole Porter’s most iconic songs.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,456,633
• Worldwide Gross: $18,611,951

💥 De-Lovely Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored the costumes and set design; it felt like stepping back in time. The music, of course, is timeless, but some of the modern singers felt a bit out of place, even if they did bring a fresh take. But Kline and Judd did a great job bringing their characters to life! I especially loved the recreation of the ‘Night and Day’ scene, such a captivating moment.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Cole Porter’s music”
  • “Those interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy musicals and period pieces”
  • “Fans of Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of infidelity”
  • “Brief suggestive content”
  • “Mature themes related to sexuality and relationships”
  • “Illness and death”

Professional Reviews

• Entertainment Weekly: “Kline inhabits Porter with a world-weary charm, and Judd provides a soulful counterpoint. The musical numbers, however, feel strangely detached, as if staged in a vacuum, making ‘De-Lovely’ a pleasant but ultimately hollow tribute.
• The New York Times: “‘De-Lovely’ offers an appealing surface gloss but struggles to delve beneath it. The film ultimately feels respectful but strangely remote, lacking the emotional depth to truly resonate. Kline gives an admirable performance, but the script keeps him at arm’s length.
• Rolling Stone: “The music of Cole Porter shines, even when delivered by some questionable vocal choices. Kline brings a certain dignity to Porter. The movie entertains even though the story skips crucial parts of his life. Overall its a good watch and the tunes are a classic.

Audience Reactions

Kevin Kline’s performance as Cole Porter was captivating and brought depth to the iconic composer.: Many viewers praised Kevin Kline’s ability to embody the essence of Cole Porter, making the character believable and relatable.

The costumes and set designs were visually stunning and successfully transported the audience to the glamorous era of Cole Porter.: Viewers raved about the attention to detail in the film’s aesthetics, creating an immersive and enchanting experience.

Overall Consensus: De-Lovely is a visually appealing but flawed biopic that celebrates Cole Porter’s music while struggling to fully capture the complexities of his life and relationships.

Awards

1. Hollywood Film Awards (Costume Designer of the Year)- 2004

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film uses a framing device where Cole Porter looks back on his life as if it were a stage show, allowing for non-chronological song placement to enhance the storytelling.”
• “Many contemporary artists were featured performing Cole Porter’s songs, aiming to bridge the gap between classic music and modern audiences.”
• “The movie explores the complexities of Cole Porter’s relationship with his wife, Linda Lee Porter, addressing his homosexuality and their deep, unconventional love.”

🖥️ How to Watch De-Lovely?

De-Lovely is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may also be included with a subscription. You can also find physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) for purchase online or at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed De-Lovely, you might like these similar films:

• Moulin Rouge! (2001): Both films are jukebox musicals that blend classic songs with a dramatic love story.
• All That Jazz (1979): Features a semi-autobiographical exploration of a performer’s life, presented in a theatrical style with musical numbers and a focus on mortality.
• Night and Day (1946): A previous biopic about Cole Porter, although less accurate and sanitized compared to De-Lovely.
• Rocketman (2019): A modern biographical musical that explores the life and music of a celebrated musician, with a focus on personal struggles and artistic genius.
• Cabaret (1972): Features musical performances interwoven with a dramatic narrative, exploring complex themes and a decadent world.

🛒 De-Lovely Related Products

• De-Lovely [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: A collection of Cole Porter classics performed by contemporary artists, capturing the essence of the movie’s musical tapestry.
• Cole Porter – A Musical Anthology: A comprehensive compilation of Cole Porter’s greatest hits, showcasing his unparalleled songwriting talent and enduring legacy.
• De-Lovely (DVD): Own the complete movie with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Cole Porter Sheet Music Collection: A collection of Cole Porter’s most famous songs, perfect for the amateur and professional musician.

🎧 Soundtrack

De-Lovely features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love” – performed by Alanis Morissette
• “Begin the Beguine” – performed by Sheryl Crow
• “Night and Day” – performed by Kevin Kline
• “De-Lovely” – performed by Robbie Williams
• “Every Time We Say Goodbye” – performed by Natalie Cole

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robbie Williams | De-Lovely: The Wedding Singer | On the set

Ever wondered what it’s like on a movie set? Check out Robbie Williams’ experience filming ‘De-Lovely’! It’s a fun little peek behind the curtain, and I always love seeing how these things come together.

Mitzi & Donald in “It’s De-lovely”

Want to hear a classic version of “It’s De-lovely”? Mitzi Gaynor and Donald O’Connor absolutely kill it in this performance! It’s super fun to see how different artists interpret this song – this is a must-watch!

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