"Behind the Candelabra" on HBO (about Liberace)

[CallmeChaCha]

HBO is premiering a movie about Liberace on May 26 at 9PM. I realize not everyone has HBO (I only have it cuz it was free for 3 months), but I was wondering if those who do have HBO will be watching this. It stars Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as his lover Scott Thorson, and is based on Thorson's memoir. Here is the synopsis from HBO's website:

Before Elvis, before Elton John, Madonna and Lady Gaga, there was Liberace: virtuoso pianist, outrageous entertainer and flamboyant star of stage and television. A name synonymous with showmanship, extravagance and candelabras, he was a world-renowned performer with a flair that endeared him to his audiences and created a loyal fan base spanning his 40-year career. Liberace lived lavishly and embraced a lifestyle of excess both on and off stage. In summer 1977, handsome young stranger Scott Thorson walked into his dressing room and, despite their age difference and seemingly different worlds, the two embarked on a secretive five-year love affair. BEHIND THE CANDELABRA takes a behind-the-scenes look at their tempestuous relationship – from their first meeting backstage at the Las Vegas Hilton to their bitter and public break-up.

http://www.hbo.com/movies/behind-the-ca ... index.html

I don't know anything about Liberace :embarrassed: but the movie looks interesting. I couldn't get a handle on how the movie will portray Liberace from watching the trailer, especially since I don't know about his work or his life. Any thoughts from others? Has anyone heard or read good/bad reviews about this from critics?

[keen23]

I know that the lover, Scott Thorson is in jail right now, and was actually one of the witnesses for the Wonderland murders (there was a movie where Val Kilmer played porn star John Holmes that was based on the Wonderland murders). He's not in jail for the murder, but for theft on unrelated charges. I'm looking forward to this movie a lot. I think it will be great.

[laura oz]

keen23, I've learned something today. I had no idea he was a witness. I am so happy that I have HBO cause I am all over this movie. I've always had a soft spot for Liberace, and my great grandma just loved him.

[MamaJunebug]

Liberace was one of the few "grown up" stars to catch my attention in childhood. He presented himself as an eccentric, genial showman who appreciated his old-lady fans sincerely and respected them. Odd that I still remember the tabloid cover in which Scott accused him of things most foul -- I felt so sorry that Liberace had a mean and vindictive side. The revelation of his sexuality was a big yawner for us all. Wasn't he accused of knowingly exposing others to HIV? That was a huge disappointment.

[laura oz]

MamaJunebug, my greatgrandmother would have told you that Liberace was just trying to entertain with his wardrobe, and that the feminine act was just to seem non threatening to the husbands of the women who came to see his show :lol: :lol: :lol: I didn't know he knowingly exposed anyone. I just assumed that since it was early in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, precautions weren't taken. That really disappoints me about him. Next to my favorite gay uncle George Takei (Star Trek nut here), he was my favorite entertainer from my childhood. I loved all the flash of his costumes, and wanted to play the piano as effortlessly as he seemed to.

[PennySycamore]

I'll watch it, but not at the first airing. That conflicts with Mad Men! I'll catch it when HBO has a repeat of the movie.

ETA: I just watched the trailer and a clip and Michael Douglas looks amazing! I may have to catch Mad Men on the second or third run that evening.

[RandomTrivia]

TV Guide this week has a story about the movie. If we had HBO, I'd watch it, it looks interesting at least. IIRC, it'll be released to theaters after it's shown at Cannes.

[Val78]

Theaters or dvd? Can't wait to see it, but doubt I'll make it to theaters to see:(

[RandomTrivia]

Theaters or dvd? Can't wait to see it, but doubt I'll make it to theaters to see:(

The official Facebook page says DVD release on September 17th. I'm assuming that's US/Canada/Region 1. Seems to be in theaters in the UK post-Cannes.

[lizziesmom]

I'll wait until it comes out on dvd to see it because I don't want HBO. I've heard that Michael Douglas is extraordinary. He was the producers original choice to play Lee but they had to wait over a year for him to regain weight and stamina following his cancer treatments.

[Val78]

The official Facebook page says DVD release on September 17th. I'm assuming that's US/Canada/Region 1. Seems to be in theaters in the UK post-Cannes.

oh awesome. yes, for sure on my list :)

[CallmeChaCha]

I read somewhere that it would only be shown in theatres outside the US. I haven't had a chance to watch it all yet but the 30 or so minutes I watched were good.

[lizziesmom]

I don't know if any of you or how many of you might subscribe to DISH network but June 14-17 is a free HBO preview. This movie will be on during that time. :clap:

[RandomTrivia]

I don't know if any of you or how many of you might subscribe to DISH network but June 14-17 is a free HBO preview. This movie will be on during that time. :clap:

DirecTV is also doing free HBO this weekend. I may record t his one if El Tivo has space.

[CallmeChaCha]

I have HBO service but I noticed Cinemax channels were visible so it looks like AT&T U-Verse has free HBO as well (they usually do HBO and Cinemax free together)

[lizziesmom]

I just watched this movie and I have to say that Lee was a complete jackass, if this movie is even 1/10th true. Scott, his lover, was only 17, when he first moved in with him -- can't believe how Liberace kept that quiet, as well as how much in the closet he was his entire life. On another note, Rob Lowe is in this movie as a plastic surgeon and his nose looks enough like Michael Jackson's did at one point to make me wonder if he's now having plastic surgery.

[Jeneric Duggar]

Liberace was one of the few "grown up" stars to catch my attention in childhood. He presented himself as an eccentric, genial showman who appreciated his old-lady fans sincerely and respected them. Odd that I still remember the tabloid cover in which Scott accused him of things most foul -- I felt so sorry that Liberace had a mean and vindictive side. The revelation of his sexuality was a big yawner for us all. Wasn't he accused of knowingly exposing others to HIV? That was a huge disappointment.

Hard to believe that he actually sued for libel - and won! - when a few columnists hinted that he was gay. Different times, I know, but it was certainly obvious to us. I did love his sense of humour. Such a shame he turned out to have feet of clay.

[CallmeChaCha]

I came on here to post that I finally watched the entire movie and didn't really like Liberace, or the way they portrayed him but then I noticed MamaJunebug has a witsec avatar. Is she gone? I'm kind of sad, I like her posts.

[formergothardite]

I came on here to post that I finally watched the entire movie and didn't really like Liberace, or the way they portrayed him but then I noticed MamaJunebug has a witsec avatar. Is she gone? I'm kind of sad, I like her posts.

I just noticed that in another thread. I really hate she left. I wonder what happened. MJB, you will be missed. :(

[Lunasoleil]

Michael Douglass was phenomenal in this role. Hope he wins an emmy

[Lunasoleil]

I just watched this movie and I have to say that Lee was a complete jackass, if this movie is even 1/10th true. Scott, his lover, was only 17, when he first moved in with him -- can't believe how Liberace kept that quiet, as well as how much in the closet he was his entire life. On another note, Rob Lowe is in this movie as a plastic surgeon and his nose looks enough like Michael Jackson's did at one point to make me wonder if he's now having plastic surgery.

The make up artist for this film did great on all the primary actors.

Lol, no honey rob Lowe did not have plastic surgery... Just good makeup and prosthetics.