The Trailer:
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Michael Douglas, & Matt Damon
Plot Summary: The tumultuous relationship between Liberace (Michael Douglas) and the young Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) is recounted in this biopic.
Okay, so I'm not very familiar with Liberace's work. I wasn't alive during his lifetime and the only things I knew about him prior to watching this film was that he was an opulent, extravagant, over-the-top, closeted gay man with lots of wavy hair (Mister Sandman lyrics, y'all). But other than that I knew nothing. And this film, while not an entire record of his life or career, I suppose helped me understand him a little more.
The fact that the film focuses little on Liberace's career may be disappointing to some, but since it is based on Scott Thorsons tell-all book, which details their relationship, I don't mind that there's no details about his career and/or stage presence. Behind The Candelabra is a film that highlights what being gay was for a celebrity in those days; always in fear that someone was going to find out. It's also a cautionary tale about what money, fame, and drugs can do to a person and their relationships with others. But mostly it is a tragic love story between a man who wanted the love of millions and a man who only wanted the love of one. From the moment the film started I could see heartbreak written all over it, mostly for Scott. Liberace, as shown in this film, was a playboy; he wanted new young things and didn't mind getting rid of an old fling to do so. It was sad to see Scott drawn into Liberace's opulent lifestyle, knowing that it wouldn't last. That's the heart of the story: how Scott, a young, inexperienced, man was brought into a world where love was promised only to receive a man who didn't know how to love. I felt every emotion along with him. I was bedazzled in the beginning when he first encountered Liberace. I was swooning when Liberace was trying to woo Scott. I was disgusted when Liberace began to physically alter Scott's appearance through plastic surgery .I was angry when Liberace began to pull away from Scott. I was heartbroken when their relationship was over. It's an emotional roller-coaster, this film, but I loved every minute of it.
The acting throughout the film is phenomenal. Matt Damon and Michael Douglass are perfection together. It's hard with any on-screen couple to display authentic chemistry, but Matt Damon and Michael Douglass, both acting with such conviction and dedication, make it look so effortless. It's easy to imagine them as a real couple despite their age difference and the fact that neither of them are attracted to men in real life. And though Michael Douglass is the brightest star in the film, Matt Damon is just as dazzling. As I stated before, every emotion he depicts, I felt it along with him. Matt Damon is just that good. My heart was warmed as I watched their characters fall in love, and then broken when they began their downfall. And now let me give credit where credit is due, Michael Douglass is amazing for taking on such an iconic persona and performing it with such grace and ease (After watching the film, I watched videos of Liberace to compare to Michael Douglass' performance). He really captured the essence of Liberace, his mannerisms, the intonation of his voice, everything! There is no one more perfect for this role, the casting directors did a fantastic job. Ooh, and I have to mention Rob Lowe, even though he only played a small role as Dr. Jack Startz, the plastic surgeon. I could not get over his face. Any time he was on screen, I had to giggle at his ridiculous eyes.I mean just look at him:
Haha! Anyways, the cinematography is perfect as well, with it's bright sunny, Vegas glamour of the late seventies shining through to create an authentic visual of what life must have been like through the eyes of Scott Thorson, who was new to that kind of lifestyle. It is alluring and bewitching. The sets were beautiful and true to the kind of gaudy decor expected of Liberace.
Behind The Candelabra is a great film. My interest never waned and I was so completely invested in their story. As I've been writing, I've felt myself wanting to cry just thinking about how sad I was upon the ending of the film. This film has that staying power that hurts long after it's over. Though, if you're seeking a film that is a timeline of Liberace's life and music career this will definitely not be the film for you. Also if you're a homophobic prick, you probably shouldn't watch this. Would I watch this film again? Yes, but not for some time. I don't need that kind of heartbreak in my life right now.
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