Nothing in the film beats Porter’s music–“Night and Day,” “You’re the Top”–sung onscreen by contemporary pop stars (Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow), though with mixed results. Another mixed blessing is an overwrought narrative device–in an empty theater, Porter watches scenes from his life with a mysterious impresario–but it does let us see, again and again, the amazing Kline as old Cole. And Kline’s just as good when Cole is young and merry–it’s a subtle, moving performance. In this ambitious but ultimately unsatisfying film, he’s the top.