Review of Behind the Candelabra (2013) by Swayamdeep S — 26 Oct 2013

An interesting biopic, and a fascinating and strange story.

This is a really good film, that maybe is a little too long, and drags in places- but what holds up the most are the performances given by Michael Douglas and Matt Damon.

This film is all about transformation in one way or another. Douglas transforms himself into the role of Liberace- while the main story follows Damon's character slowly transforming from an innocent young man, to the Scott Thorson that people see today, as he slowly got pulled into the glitz and glamour of the world of Liberace.

Steven Soderbergh's direction is also good, making everything feel as artificial as possible- the fact that Liberace doesn't like to go outside, so most of the film is set in rooms, and people's houses.

The story is so strange, as the relationship between Liberace and Thorson progress, including plastic surgery, sequins and adoption papers. It really is a lot of fun.

That is another thing, this film is very funny. It doesn't rely on set pieces, or one liners, but works on the performances and the relationships formed. it is genuinely funny, without trying to really make you laugh. This is mainly down to the absolutely brilliant performances. Douglas disappears into the role, and I completely forgot it was him, for most of the film. He got the character to a tee. But also Matt Damon is good here, as the more vulnerable character, as he is constantly changing his weight, his looks and anything else that he is told to do. See it for the performances.

'Behind the Candelabra' is exactly the right title for this film, as it reveals everything, it shows how Liberace himself is always hiding something- the fact that he never wants people to see behind his 'candelabra'- it is such a well told film. But it does drag n the second act, and starts to feel a little repetitive in some scenes.

Overall, though, it is a very well done film, and it is a shame that it wasn't released theatrically in the US, like it was in the UK, and other European countries, as it was very well done- and also rids Douglas of an Oscar nomination, of which he would be worthy. But there is a possibility of a BAFTA. You never know.