Viewed in
2014
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Michael Douglas and Matt Damon star as Liberace and (one of his many) lover Scott Thorson, respectively.
Loved
Rob Lowe's honked up face.
Liked
Performances, art design.
Disliked
Predictable story.
Thoughts
Pretty enjoyable biography that didn't succumb to hero-worshipping.
I'm not familiar with Liberace, aside from obvious stuff, so it was an interesting peak into what he and his world was like. Douglas was believable as the flamboyant performer. Full of disarming charm who will sucker-punch you with his vanity and mind games.
His dark side was fascinating and disturbing, especially his need to remake his lovers/proteges into his image. In addition, so was the ridiculous material extravagance, which seemed to permeate the 1970's and every scene.
Matt Damon was sympathetic as Thorson, as his character succumbed to addiction and replacement, and looked great shirtless. Dan Aykroyd had some funny moments as Liberace's manager. So did Debbie Reynolds as his critical immigrant mother. But the scene-stealer belonged to Rob Lowe's outrageous, hilarious, hideous face as the plastic surgeon. Looking like a shrink-wrapped Kato Kaelin, I could not look away.
While the performances, visuals, and music were interesting, the story wasn't. The foreshadowing was laid on a bit thick, making the demise of the couple's relationship easy to spot.
Overall, Behind the Candelabra was pretty entertaining that didn't shy away from Liberace's blemishes.
