Dark Monday - De-Lovely

In 2004, the movie De-Lovely was released to favorable reviews. It was a rarity, for movie musicals are just not being made very often. Starring the immensely talented Kevin Kline and the gorgeous Ashley Judd as Cole and Linda Porter, and takes their relationship from the start to the end, when Cole passes away.



Early in their relationship, Linda knew of Cole's gay tendencies, but she would not let that be a problem. However, in practice, it turned out being a bit more difficult than she had thought, as his extra-marital affairs became more and more obvious. This and combined with liveing closeted life during a fairly conservative time, when laws and attitudes tended more toward homophobic than even now, added tension to the marriage. They separated, but she returned to him when he needed her following an accident. They never divorced.



In real life, Linda was 8 years older than her husband, but in typical Hollywood fashion, the talented Ashley Judd, twenty-one years younger than Kline, was cast in the role. I mention this only because as part of the story, Linda eventually becomes ill and attempts to prepare her husband for her death. While in real life Linda was the mature person in the relationship on every level, that is slightly skewed in the movie. They pull it off, especially if you aren't as familiar with reality, but it does lend a slightly different bent to the story.



While it does star Kline and Judd, there are many very talented people in the cast. They include John Barrowman, Robbie Williams, Jonathan Pryce, James Wilby, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Mick Hucknall (of Simply Red), Diana Krall, Natalie Cole and Alanis Morissette. A fine cast, indeed. Here are some songs from the movie.

Kevin Kline & John Barrowman - Night & Day


Kevin Kline & Ashley Judd - So In Love


Sheryl Crow sings Begin The Beguine


Alanis Morissette sings Let's Do It


I know this is a favorite of many readers of this blog, so I figured it was about time I gave you what you wanted. And dammit, it is great music! Hope you all enjoyed it!