Cole Porter

On a Cole Porter kick.

Realistic, in a contemporary sense. Who knows what really went on? Porter was bisexual, and that is shown in this film. The music is great. Performances by Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and Robbie Williams sizzle. Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd do wonderful acting.

I did not like Cary Grant very much, and, after this film, by opinion has not changed. The film is mediocre, at best.

Swing time

Saw a biography of director George Stevens on Turner Classic Movies, including clips from several of his films. I was surprised, when I searched the OPAC, that this was one of his films.

Ginger Rogers was flawless, Fred Astaire wonderful, and the movie worked pretty nicely. Victor Moore played Pop, and Helen Broderick played Mabel (trivia: she was mother of Broderick Crawford).

Nice dancing, good music.

Gran Torino

Excellent. Eastwood plays a gruff retired auto worker who has just buried his wife. Cantankerous, he is aggravated by everything. Hmong have moved next door. Walt lives in the past, his Korean War service informing and haunting his every day. A chance encounter with his neighbors leads to friendships, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Funny, poignant, exceedingly well acted, directed and photographed, this is American film making at its best.