Thursday, June 6, 2013

Behind the Candelabra (2013)

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writers:  Richard LaGravenese, Scott Thorson, Alex Thorleifson
Cast:      Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Scott Bakula


Based on the autobiographical novel, the tempestuous 6-year relationship between Liberace and his (much younger) lover, Scott Thorson, is recounted.

The film was put forward to many studios who all balked out saying that it was too gay. It also faced delays because of Michael Douglas diagnosed with Stage IV Throat Cancer. Finally it was produced by and released on HBO last week. That makes it ineligible for the academy awards. It is supposed to be Soderbergh's last film before his break from films.

Film works well as a comedy with excellent performances from the two leads. Michael Douglas has been receiving much praise for his portrayal but Matt Damon's character and performance is not any less with it being the point of view character adapted from Scott Thorson's book. I didn't have any idea about the story beforehand apart from the IMDB synopsis.

Here is a link to Soderbergh's excellent talk on the sorry state of Hollywood: http://kottke.org/13/05/steven-soderbergh-the-state-of-cinema
Rating: 4/5

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