Review of Behind the Candelabra (2013) by Leigh H — 26 Dec 2014

What I was expecting was an over the top cabaret themed, song and dance routine with no heart, a lot of gay jokes with lavish and outrageous outfits and enough bling to make a blind man be able see the light again. I'm so glad my expectations were ruined, not completely wrong in all aspects but wrong with the things that could of turned this biography film based around the showman Liberace of the 70's portrayed brilliantly by Michael Douglas and his lover Scott, 40yrs younger than the showman in reality again brilliantly played by Matt Damon.

What has been delivered by Soderbergh best known for the Ocean trilogy and Traffic is the story of Scott who meets Lee (Liberace) one night after a show and their relationship over a 5 yr period the ups, downs, the right, wrongs, the plastic surgery the outfits.

There was some great laughs along the way too with some awesome scenes starring Rob Lowe who plays the Surgeon, Scott Bakula with an amazing mo and Debbie Reynolds as Lee's mother.

There is also some lines that will no doubt go on forever as cult favourites nice and camp without going over the top as I'm sure Mr Robbin Williams who was meant to play Liberace originally would have done! Amazing sets, costumes, jewellery, set design and masterful decorating make this film what it is as well as some amazing storytelling told by a talented director and his even more talented cast.

The final scene was magical and and brought a smile to my face, I had a feeling deep inside it's what he (Liberace) would have wanted which made it quite surreal for a moment.

I absolutely loved this film although I walked out not knowing exactly who the bad guy was which I think is perfect. It's most likely going to end up on dvd soon enough if you can't make it to the big screen but what ever way you see it for me it is a must see!

4 out 5 BanShee Screams.

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#behindthecandelabra.