Behind The Candelabra (2013)

A chronicle of the tempestuous six-year romance between megastar singer Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson.

Director:

Steven Soderbergh

Writers:

Richard LaGravenese (screenplay), Scott Thorson (book)

Stars:

Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Scott Bakula

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 42 wins & 53 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matt Damon	...	Scott Thorson
Scott Bakula	...	Bob Black
Eric Zuckerman	...	Lou
Eddie Jemison	...	Assistant Director
Randy Lowell	...	Director
Tom Roach	...	Stunt Actor
Shamus Cooley	...	Camera Assistant
John Smutny	...	Sound Mixer
Jane Morris	...	Rose Carracappa
Garrett M. Brown	...	Joe Carracappa
Michael Douglas	...	Liberace
Pat Asanti	...	George Liberace
Debbie Reynolds	...	Frances Liberace
Casey Kramer	...	Dora Liberace
Cheyenne Jackson	...	Billy Leatherwood

Storyline

Scott Thorson, a young bisexual man raised in foster homes, is introduced to flamboyant entertainment giant Liberace and quickly finds himself in a romantic relationship with the legendary pianist. Swaddled in wealth and excess, Scott and Liberace have a long affair, one that Scott eventually begins to find suffocating. Kept away from the outside world by his flashily effeminate yet deeply closeted partner, and submitting to extreme makeovers and even plastic surgery at the behest of his lover, Scott eventually rebels. When Liberace finds himself a new lover, Scott is tossed onto the street. He then seeks legal redress for what he feels he has lost. But throughout, the bond between the young man and the star never completely tears.

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Plot Keywords:

pianist | gay adoption | boy toy | gay relationship | based on real person | 

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Taglines:

"Too much of a good thing is wonderful"

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Romance

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Did You Know?

Trivia

When the film was in development in the early 2000s with Robin Williams attached to star as Liberace, Philip Kaufman was set to direct.

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Goofs

The wheels on the Mercedes 450SL that Bob drives in 1977 were not introduced until 1986 on the 560SL.

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Quotes

Liberace: I have an eye for new and refreshing talent.
Scott Thorson: You have an eye for new and refreshing dick.

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Connections

Referenced in Sean Bradley Reviews: Logan Lucky (2017)

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Soundtracks

When Liberace Winks at Me
Written by Bobby Gimby and Johnny Wayne (as Jonny Wayne)
Sung by Peggy King
Piano Performed by Liberace
COurtesy of John Delgatto/Entrée Records & DVD
By arrangement with the Liberace Foundation

User Reviews

Unexpectedly great performances!

I decided to watch this film on HBO because I thought it would be a hoot - one of those catastrophic and pretentious productions which are so laughable. Within 20 minutes I realized that the film was rather important. Michael Douglas captures the late Liberace's mannerisms and voice with astonishing ease. He is quite stellar in his performance, and I see him now in a new light. Matt Damon is excellent as Scott, his protégé. The personages involved are deeply complex, even if one is only familiar with the contemporary "National Enquirer" reports one realizes their is something one can not quite understand about "Lee & Scott's" relationship. Douglas and Damon are brilliant in delving into these characters. They are unrecognizable, at times, from the familiar roles we all know of them. I think the film well worth watching. As a bonus, Matt Damon shows his bum on several occasions, for those who are interested; if not, one cannot help but be interested in the wonderful performances from two of Hollywood's great stars! A courageous undertaking well done indeed!!!

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 2013 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Liberace

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$13,352,609

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, Jerry Weintraub Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White (flashback sequence)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1