Cary Grant played Cole Porter in the first filmed biography of the life of Cole Porter with Alexis Smith as his loving wife, Linda in the film `Night and Day.'
With no disrespect to Mr. Grant and Ms Smith, Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd are far superior in this account of the trying life and turbulent times of Cole and Linda.
A novel approach was used to film this clever movie The ever talented and under appreciated Jonathan Pryce plays a character named Gabe that acts much like a Greek chorus; he comes to Cole Porter shortly before his demise and escorts him through the events of his life.
The film looks unflinchingly at Mr. Porter's bisexuality, his drinking and his self-doubts; and also at the unflagging mutual love and affection Cole and Linda had in their unconventional marriage. One historical inaccuracy in this film is that Linda was considerably older than Cole.
The music is handled and staged magnificently with everyone from Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette to Elvis Costello and Natalie Cole performing his songs in appropriate settings.
The costumes (Janty Yates) and settings (Eve Stewart, Production Design and John Bush, Set Decoration) are perfect -- completely evoking the time and milieu in which the film is set. The jewelry worn by Ms Judd as Linda is spectacular.
Special kudos to Sarah Monzani for her makeup design. Both Mr. Kline and Ms Judd age dramatically throughout the film and their makeup is flawless.
While this is certainly a romanticized depiction of a complex genius this film does much to enlighten the audience as to the multifaceted brilliance of a man that lived for fun and for music.
This is not a film for everyone -- but for someone that wants something other than special effects laden nonsense this may be the film for you.
With no disrespect to Mr. Grant and Ms Smith, Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd are far superior in this account of the trying life and turbulent times of Cole and Linda.
A novel approach was used to film this clever movie The ever talented and under appreciated Jonathan Pryce plays a character named Gabe that acts much like a Greek chorus; he comes to Cole Porter shortly before his demise and escorts him through the events of his life.
The film looks unflinchingly at Mr. Porter's bisexuality, his drinking and his self-doubts; and also at the unflagging mutual love and affection Cole and Linda had in their unconventional marriage. One historical inaccuracy in this film is that Linda was considerably older than Cole.
The music is handled and staged magnificently with everyone from Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette to Elvis Costello and Natalie Cole performing his songs in appropriate settings.
The costumes (Janty Yates) and settings (Eve Stewart, Production Design and John Bush, Set Decoration) are perfect -- completely evoking the time and milieu in which the film is set. The jewelry worn by Ms Judd as Linda is spectacular.
Special kudos to Sarah Monzani for her makeup design. Both Mr. Kline and Ms Judd age dramatically throughout the film and their makeup is flawless.
While this is certainly a romanticized depiction of a complex genius this film does much to enlighten the audience as to the multifaceted brilliance of a man that lived for fun and for music.
This is not a film for everyone -- but for someone that wants something other than special effects laden nonsense this may be the film for you.