"An unmanned piano!"

Since this was recieved negatively on its theatrical release, I viewed it not expecting much more than some great musical numbers. What I got makes me wonder exactly what the bashers had wrong with it on its original release. De-Lovely is a fantastic film, working as a tribute to Cole Porter and as a musical love story, with joyous performances, both musical and theatrical.

Kline is on best form, giving a fabulous performance that really made me believe he was Cole Porter. But it was much more than an impression - it was a complete embodiment, from Porter's glory days right up to his gruffer later days. Kline's singing voice is deliberately imperfect but still exquisite, and he is a joy to listen to in all his singing scenes.

Judd's voice is more questionable - in fact, I doubt she could have even held a tune on her own if she had been required to - but she does very little actual singing, so that wasn't much of a problem. Her performance is very good, the character's love and fondness for Cole coming through at all times, even when she's pissed off with him.


At the various parties and clubs that appear throughout the movie, several popular singers belt out one of Porter's tunes. Thankfully Winkler doesn't let their appearances steal the limelight from the story. Mostly they are a pleasure to listen to, especially Robbie Williams and Diana Krall's renditions.

De-Lovely never lets up on the pace, spending just enough time on one segment for it to be effective, but not so much that it becomes boring, before moving on. Most biopics can't manage this balance - De-Lovely manages it perfectly.

And now we come to the ending. Possibly the most fun, touching and effective ending of 2004 - I have to admit, it almost brought me to tears, it was so well handled. While my fellow viewer was already talking about the problems with the film, I was completely entranced by Kline and Judd's final number. I simply don't understand how anyone could not be.