Feb 22nd
De-Lovely**
US/GB 2004. MGM. 125m. Panavision

At his death composer Cole Porter watches over a performance of his life, and how his wife Linda had to cope with his homosexuality as well as a later crippling horse riding accident.
Glossy musical biopic which moves along in typical fanciful fashion at first, with Dennis Potter-type musical numbers choreographing almost every major scene (and with modern singers making minor appearances), but settling down into more conventional drama during the story's heavier phases. The stars and the general professionalism behind the camera make it worth watching.

Written by: Jay Cocks.
Producers: Irwin Winkler, Rob Cowan, Charles Winkler.
Director: Irwin Winkler.
Starring: Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, Kevin McNally, Sandra Nelson, Allan Corduner, Keith Allen (as Irving Berlin), James Wilby; and Robbie Williams, Lemar, Elvis Costello, Alanis Morissette, Caroline O'Connor, Sheryl Crow, Mick Hucknall, Diana Krall, Vivian Green, Natalie Cole.
Photography: Tony Pierce-Roberts.
Musical Direction: Stephen Endelman.
Production Design: Eve Stewart.
Costume: Janty Yates, Giorgio Armani.
Make-up: Sarah Manzani.