Review of Behind the Candelabra (2013) by Matthew S — 28 Sep 2013

I don't know. Maybe it is me. I most definitely appear to be in the minority regarding this HBO TV Movie. I did not like it. This film felt like an R-rated take on the 1970's TV Movie of the Week concept.

While the story is of Liberace and his mate is certainly one of cultural interest, I found no energy or interest in this presentation. After reading and hearing such praise for Michael Douglas as Liberace, I was very disappointed with what I saw.

Douglas gives a sort of impersonator-like performance vs. any level of insightful acting. To me, it felt as if Soderbergh was hitting me with a 1970's Nerf Ball screaming, "Look! It is Michael Douglas playing Liberace and he is gay! Look! Matt Damon is playing a gay dude with a '70's wig! Look!" .

..It is not a good thing that I never forgot I was watching "Michael Douglas" playing Liberace or that I was watching "Matt Damon" playing a "gay dude" -- it felt forced and odd.

I did not like this movie. It is also interesting that a true story so rife for stylistic kitsch is so lacking of any style at all. But, maybe it is me. 95% rating?!?! Is this a cancer-sympathy rating or did critics actually think this was a good film?!?!?!