Review of Behind the Candelabra (2013) by Taija H — 29 Jan 2014

Behind The Candelabra is about the celebrity lifestyle - not homosexuality nor Liberace. It's true that the film revolves around Liberace, but it could have been about any other celebrity and proven the same points.

Celebrity life in Hollywood is quite empty: relationships are meaningless, they spend millions to have the 'perfect face,' etc. Celebrity life is on a pedestal; you are above everyone, but essentially, alone.

When Liberace (Michael Douglas) meets Scott Thorson (Matt Damon), it starts like any other one of Liberace's egoistical relationships - doomed. However, Liberace sees something in Scott, an equal sense of loneliness.

Scott lived in a foster family and had many siblings who didn't really know him. At his deathbed, Liberace admitted to truly loving his ex-partner, Scott. Unfortunately, they were never meant to be.

Scott becomes a drug addict and Liberace continuous his superfluous and bombastic lifestyle. Like many celebrity couples, they both have their own problems, but succeed in creating a bond built on understanding.

Steven Soderbergh understands more about Liberace than does Michael Douglas and that works best. Douglas gives one of his best performances on screen as a self-absorbed, homosexual, who is living a surreal lifestyle.

He perfectly emulates that smile that is contrived and hides his deepest insecurities. His chemistry with Matt Damon, who plays his best performance, is believable and that's everything that's needed.

Other than being one of most visually ambitious film of the year, Behind The Candelabra is another great entry to Soderbergh's repertoire.