A Few Words About A few words about... De-Lovely (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

De-Lovely isn't going to hit the streets until just before Christmas, but it isn't too early to get a pre-order in on this one.

Irwin Winkler has created an extraordinary musical in the post Chicago era, which may bring the work of either Ken Russell or Dennis Potter to mind.

This is a musical unlike those of the past 70 or so years, which doesn't need to make excuses for bursting into song and dance. The rationale is there and waiting.

As a Cole Porter bio-pic, meticulously scripted by Jay Cocks, who served as writer on Age of Innocence, Gangs of New York and Strange Days, De-Lovely serves up a bright and inspired version of Porter's life.

Will Kevin Kline be nominated for an Academy Award? While its probably too early to tell, the film is worthy.

De-Lovely, which is from the "new" M-G-M, and is released via the "new" United Artists has that glossy old original M-G-M look and feel.

This is a great musical.

And for you lumberjacks out there, there's no need for embarassment if someone sees your toe tapping while viewing this film. It's a good thing, and no one is going to question your DNA.

While the completed DVD will be loaded with extras, we'll leave that to the DVD reviewers to cover.

Simply put. Go pre-order.

This film comes extremely highly recommeded as one of the best films I've seen this year.

RAH

 

[GeorgePaul]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your worthy endorsement of this highly overlooked film, Mr. Harris! It was unbelievable how tepid, how lukewarm the critical and audience reaction was to this film in its original release--this was a brilliant musical that delivered everything Chicago did, PLUS a great story to boot!

I caught the preview screening of this at the Las Vegas Film Festival, and I've never paid $10 to see one movie before--but De-Lovely was absolutely worth every penny. I fell in love WITH, and BECAUSE OF, this movie. Irwin Winkler's finest to date!

 

[Dave Scarpa]

My Wife really ranted to See this but it was very poorly Released here in Western Mass. The only theater that had it was a Mom And Pop and while I love to support Mom & Pop's over the big boys the Presentation is So Horrid I'd rather wait to see it on my HT. I'll give her this and the "That's Entertainment" Box for Xmas.

 

[Steve Tannehill]

I am looking forward to seeing this, as well as the theatrical spin on ALW's Phantom of the Opera. Thanks for the recommendation!



- Steve

 

[David Williams]

I saw this film shortly after it came out and while I absolutely loved the music the movie was just so-so. I can understand why audiences were lukewarm to this movie... the convention used to frame the story starts rather awkwardly as the audience is just plopped down in media res with very little information to guide the viewer. I feel the movie really rests on the relationship between Cole & Linda... if you believe the chemistry between Kline & Judd the movie hums along, if you don't buy it (unfortunately, like I did) it kinda drags. Plus the movie definitely plays fast & loose with both time & factual detail. I'm sure Kevin Kline will get a nomination, if not the Academy Award for this role. He really shines here but the movie itself was just 'meh'.



Oh how I wanted to love this movie!

 

[StevenFC]

I'm pretty much in agreement with Robert on this one. Here's my review of the film. I had the pleasure of seeing a pre-screening of it. There was a Q&A afterwards with some of the folks that made the movie. I wish I could remember some of the things that were discussed; but I don't really remember any details, except that someone (his biographer, I think) mentioned that it was a pretty accurate film. Even if some stuff was left out.



But I enjoyed the film. Although it does have an odd style and structure which takes a little getting used to.

 

[DeeF]

Post removed by me.

 

[Erik_H]

I saw "De Lovely" during a trip to London last month, where it had just opened. The major London critics savaged it but as I had heard some positive comments from friends who had seen it in the U.S. I decided to check it out. While I give director Winkler and screenwriter Cocks credit for attempting to stretch the musical film form (and I understand that this project was a labor of love for both of them), I found the film terribly flat and uninvolving, despite Kline's stellar performance. I also thought the musical numbers were disappointingly staged and the musical performers ill-suited to the songs (John Barrowman and Natalie Cole excepted).



I think "De Lovely" will divide viewers much in the way that "Pennies From Heaven" did back in 1981: if you buy the unusual concept and execution then you will enjoy it, but if you don't you are in for a long two hours.

 

[ArthurMy]

I'll just chime in and say I like Pennies from Heaven, but really didn't care for De-Lovely at all. But then I have never liked any of Irwin Winkler's films as a director (he was a good producer, though). I find his work ponderous and ordinary. Yes, some good performances (but really, Kevin Kline winning the Oscar? I don't think so), but, as the poster above says, not involving. And to my mind, if this is where the musical film is headed I'll go run Singin' in the Rain.

 

[Oswald Pascual]

I am sure this movie will find it's little niche somewhere, but I was totally disappointed in this film. Yes, I also found myself looking at my watch thinking when is this thing go to be over with.



Ozzie

My .02 pennies

 

[Julian Lalor]

Given that Linda Lee Thomas was 8 years older than Cole Porter, Judd is hardly the ideal choice to play her in this film. That, and Judd's (as usual) flat, one-note performance killed the film for me.

 

[Cees Alons]

I didn't see De-Lovely in the theatre, but enough evidence in this thread to make me buy the DVD!





Cees

 

[Jeff Briggs]

I bought the DVD because I like the music & wasn't disappointed. In fact I enjoyed the music so much that I went out & bought the CD which I've played loads of times while driving to work. Love the music, love the arrangements, love the film

 

[Yumbo]

I like-ted it! And the music too - was a revelation. Mick Hucknell!