Sep2013_MOVIE REVIEW

Behind The Candelabra

By Gemma Schuhmann

Behind The Candelabra tells the true story of Scott Thorson’s (Matt Damon) 5 year relationship with Liberace (Michael Douglas).  The thing to remember with this film is that this is Scott’s story, not Liberace’s.  Liberace just happens to be the man Scott fell in love with. 

This love affair has its ups and downs like any other couple.  However trying to maintain Liberace’s heterosexual status in the world’s media and his over the top lifestyle proves to be the strain on their love affair.

If you’re put off because this is a love story about men, you shouldn’t be.  The story is so engrossing, it’s very easy to forget it’s about male relationships.  The intimate scenes between Scott and Liberace are the easiest to do this in.  Yes they still look and sound gay but the issues they are dealing with in their relationship can relate to anyone.

Now if you are still worried, don’t be.  Damon and Douglas completely embody their roles.  From their walk to their voices, everything about their performance feels authentic.  Then add their costumes and wigs on top of that and it makes the two almost unrecognisable.  You won’t watch this film and think that Bourne and Gekko are in a weird relationship.  There is so much to distract you from thinking that.  The sets and costumes are detailed and extravagant but are done so in such a way that it feels true.  Even the transformation of peoples’ faces after plastic surgery has been executed perfectly.  If anything, this film will scare you into never having plastic surgery after some cringe worthy operation table scenes.

After all these years Hollywood is still too scared to fund a heavily gay film.  Thankfully an American Television network, HBO stepped in to make this ‘outrageous’ film.  Unfortunately for America this means they only got a TV screening, while here in Australia we are privileged to see an amazing film like this on the big screen.  However this means that no matter how Oscar worthy this film is, it cannot receive any, due to its limited release on American television.  So make the most of this rare opportunity to see this film at a cinema.

Behind The Candelabra is a must see.  The film will take you into a world not often ventured into.

 4/5