An oddly stodgy biography picture of composer and lyricist Cole Porter, De-Lovely follows an aging Porter (Kevin Kline) as he revisits scenes from his life, many
re-created as musical numbers. Director Irwin Winkler (Life as a House) fails to give it an ounce of the life of say, Chicago or Moulin Rouge. It’s a curious failing, given the wit and vivacity of Porter’s best songs – a bit like celebrating a romantic’s life with lead
balloons.
