Behind the Candelabra (2013)

one of my absolute favorites!

A Disappointing Continuation

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

"Behind the Candelabra" was, bar none, the gayest thing I have ever seen in my life. Soderbergh is a great director, and this was a great period peace (sets, costumes, etc.) but I'm not surprised no major studios picked it up for theatrical release. It was just too gay.

The final film before Soderbergh's retirement...oh wait, he's still making more films? Retirement spent well! Hollywood initially rejected this due to the content "being too gay for mainstream audiences" and so Soderbergh released this to TV stations instead. I for one am glad he went ahead and completed the project. Depicting the lavish lifestyle of Liberace, he recruits a younger fellow named Scott and illustrates the idolising yet spiky relationship between the two of them. If you didn't know who Liberace was, well where have you been hiding? Arguably the most famous entertainer of the late 70's having sold out a multitude of shows with his extraordinary piano playing skills. This biopic depicts the last ten years of his life and the illusory world of fame. Soderbergh consistently focused on both the physically and emotional relationship between these two men and how it rapidly deteriorates from boredom. Liberace wanted to see multiple younger guys and Scott succumbed to drug abuse, thus conveying the exertion of energy that was required to maintain this relationship. There's also themes of vanity, pride and jealousy throughout which come together to create a balanced perspective into Liberace's life. Douglas gives probably his best performance of his career as the central character. He absolutely nailed the campy mannerisms of Liberace and remained fearless during the more sexual scenes. Damon also gives a terrific performance as a young man falling for his idol and willing to do anything for him. It came across as helpless rather than obsessive which indicates the strength of his love for him. My major issue is with the tone. The flamboyancy of this production detracts from the emotional involvement of these characters. I felt disconnected and didn't really feel much during the more emotionally powerful scenes. The glossy veil was just too thick which prevented me from looking through it. Also the runtime felt abit extensive at two hours. However, it's certainly a gay ol' time.

Liberace was a douche. He's even worse on film. Only the 70-80s lax era protected him. Liberace was every reason that idiot Christian crazies deny REALITY. Liberace embarrassed the LGBT community with his predator behavior. Liberace was not a mean man but he was a complete DOUCHE that bought @SS. I'm completely shocked that no one capped his @ss in Vegas. Separate the sexuality. He was a douche that thought $$$ bought him the right to use people. He was a maggot.

When this movie first premiered on the HBO channel I watched it not knowing what it was going to be about. As soon as I saw Liberace I thought maybe it will be about how good a pianist he was....I was in for a shock when they showed his relationship with Scott thorson. I had know of Liberace as he played my favorite rendition of the Tchaikovsky concerto in b flat minor but other than that I hadn't bothered to search his history. Throughout the movie it would keep you appealed to all the glamor and grandeur with the struggles and cheating. Throughout the story it progresses from the late 70's to the mid 80's and the story ends with Liberaces "controversial" death from the AIDs virus. The ending, to me, is one of the best final scenes in a movie. I won't spoil it you'll just have to go see for yourself. I still watch the film every now and then just to look and at the shiny crystals and such.