About Behind the Candelabra (HBO)

"Behind the Candelabra" is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh. It follows the turbulent six-year romantic relationship between megastar pianist Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson, from their chance meeting backstage at one of Liberace's concerts, their time shared together, to their bitter and public break-up.

Making / Production

The film is based on Thorson's memoir, "Behind the Candelabra: My Life With Liberace", and was produced by HBO films. It was filmed entirely in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs.

Actors

• Michael Douglas as Liberace - Douglas plays the role of the flamboyant entertainer with nuanced sensitivity, beautifully portraying both the public charisma and private vulnerabilities.
• Matt Damon as Scott Thorson - Damon portrays Thorson as an innocent young animal trainer drawn into Liberace's sparkling world and forever transformed by it.
• Rob Lowe as Dr. Jack Startz - Lowe gives a memorable performance as a creepy, overly tightened plastic surgeon.
• Debbie Reynolds as Frances Liberace - Reynolds plays the role of Liberace's adoring and equally flamboyant mother.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was originally slated for a cinematic release, but studios deemed it "too gay" for mainstream audiences, hence its release on HBO.
• Michael Douglas had to undergo special training to learn how to play the piano for the film.
• The film features numerous real-life artifacts from Liberace's life, including some of his extravagant costumes.

Awards

"Behind the Candelabra" was highly acclaimed and won numerous awards, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards. Michael Douglas won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his performance as Liberace.

Quotes

• "Too much of a good thing is wonderful" - Liberace
• "I want to be everything to you, Scott. I want to be father, brother, lover, best friend." - Liberace
• "I guess I was in denial. I didn't want to believe that I was just another one of his boys." - Scott Thorson

Music, Soundtrack

• "The Liberace Boogie" - Featured prominently in the film, this is one of Liberace's iconic tunes.
• "Carioca" - A song played by Liberace in one of his concerts in the film.
• "Love Is Blue" - A popular song from Liberace's real-life repertoire, featured in the film.