Review of Behind the Candelabra (2013) by Ana B — 15 Oct 2014

Based in the autobiography of Scott Thorson this is the story of his gay relationship with famous pianist and flamboyant entertainer Liberace. He was very popular during the 70s and 80s always playing a piano with chandeliers on top; however his homosexuality was kept hidden and cleverly disguised by his powerful agent Seymour Heller. Scott lived in the shadows of his fame, posing as his protégé, his chauffeur and even his son. His situation as a simple employee made him vulnerable and he ended up taking drugs and having too much surgery. They were together for a few years until he was dismissed and replaced by a younger lover. Extremely disappointed Scott sued Liberace claiming they were married "de facto" and asked for compensation. Liberace eventually died of AIDS in 1987.

It is uncommon to see such a famous actors playing a gay relationship but it is definitely worth to have a look for the 80s atmosphere, the HIV threat, the plastic surgery, the outrageous outfits... Both main leads (Douglas and Damon) deliver a believable portrait of a complex and occasionally twisted relationship that is doomed from the very beginning. Fans of the artist shouldn't miss it as his biography is just a big pack of lies.