Review of Behind the Candelabra (2013) by Calum B — 06 Jun 2013

Michael Douglas has an Emmy award waiting for him for his outstanding portrayal of the late Liberace.

Douglas delivers a sincere and tragic portrait of a lonely and tormented gay celebrity, who at the time of the film (1970's 1980's) could not even consider coming out.

The transformation of Douglas into Liberace is amazing. I understand that the makeup took over 2 hours a day not counting wardrobe, lighting, etc, plus the fact he is just recovering from cancer,wow, talk about a master of your trade.

I was saddened by the story, I felt sorry for Liberace and I could understand how he could become such a tormented and at times cold blooded person. I don't think he actually knew how to love anyone because he didn't love himself, his entire existence was an act, a diamond and fur covered act.

I think the most telling part in the movie is when Liberace says after his mother's passing "Now I'm free". I know exactly what he meant by that and I think that is when he really "hit the town" if you know what I mean, he didn't have to worry about his mother finding out about him, although I'm sure she knew (how anyone could not, is just beyond me).

Damon's performance is good, but nothing spectacular although he does convincingly play a much younger man during the early parts of the story, its hard to believe that he is 42!.

This is a must see movie but it is not a fun movie. Yes there are a few laughs but in the end it is a tragic story of two lost and lonely men who for awhile found solace in one another but ended up destroying it. I'm sure HBO will have this on for awhile so catch it if you can.