Behind the Candelabra Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young man gets a facelift to look like Liberace, then sues him when he gets dumped, because that’s just how love goes in Vegas!

🍿 Behind the Candelabra: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting Liberace

In 1977, Scott Thorson, a young animal trainer, meets Liberace through a mutual acquaintance at a Las Vegas show. Liberace, a flamboyant and famous pianist, takes an immediate liking to Scott, inviting him into his extravagant world. This marks the beginning of their intense and complex relationship. Scott quickly becomes Liberace’s personal assistant and soon moves in with him, beginning a romantic relationship. The film depicts the initial charm and allure of Liberace’s world, showcasing the lavish lifestyle and the beginning of their bond.

The Relationship Deepens and Crumbles

As their relationship progresses, Liberace begins to exert control over Scott, urging him to undergo plastic surgery to resemble a younger version of himself. This desire for control, combined with Liberace’s insistence on keeping their relationship secret due to societal pressures and his public image, puts a strain on Scott. Scott turns to drugs as a coping mechanism. Their relationship deteriorates due to Liberace’s controlling behavior, Scott’s increasing drug use, and Liberace’s infidelities. Eventually, Liberace throws Scott out, leading to a palimony lawsuit.

The Palimony Lawsuit

After being discarded by Liberace, Scott, encouraged by a friend, decides to sue Liberace for palimony. This lawsuit brings their private life into the public eye, further complicating Liberace’s carefully constructed image. The court case exposes the details of their relationship and Liberace’s attempts to deny its existence. Scott ultimately settles for a much smaller sum than initially sought, highlighting the legal challenges faced by same-sex couples at the time. This legal battle marks a significant turning point in both their lives.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Liberace (Michael Douglas): The flamboyant and closeted megastar pianist who seeks to control his image and relationships.
• Scott Thorson (Matt Damon): Liberace’s young lover who becomes entangled in a world of excess and struggles with his identity.
• Seymour Heller (Dan Aykroyd): Liberace’s loyal manager who fiercely protects his client’s image and career.
• Dr. Jack Startz (Rob Lowe): The eccentric plastic surgeon who caters to Liberace’s and Scott’s desires for physical alteration.
• Frances Liberace (Debbie Reynolds): Liberace’s mother who plays a significant role in his emotional life and public image.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Liberace: “Too much of a good thing is wonderful.” – This quote encapsulates Liberace’s philosophy of excess and his flamboyant lifestyle.
• Liberace: “I’m finally free!” – Liberace exclaims this after his mother’s death, revealing a complex and perhaps strained relationship.
• Liberace: “I want to be remembered for my music, not for how I die.” – Said to Scott on his deathbed, highlighting his desire to control his legacy and hide his AIDS diagnosis.
• Scott Thorson: “You have an eye for new and refreshing dick.” – Scott’s cheeky retort after Liberace compliments his ‘eye for new and refreshing talent’.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $13,352,609

💥 Behind the Candelabra Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by this movie! Michael Douglas’s transformation into Liberace is mind-blowing. I honestly forgot I was watching Michael Douglas. The whole story felt so real, and it made me really feel for both Liberace and Scott. Their relationship was so messed up, but there was something beautiful about it too. It’s definitely one of those films that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from lead actors”
  • “People fascinated by celebrity culture and Las Vegas history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Plastic surgery imagery”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Soderbergh delivers a dazzling, insightful look into a complex relationship, elevated by tour-de-force performances from Douglas and Damon. The film’s refusal to shy away from the intimate details makes it both compelling and poignant.
• Variety: “Behind the Candelabra is a triumph, a sparkling, sorrowful, and ultimately human story. Michael Douglas embodies Liberace with uncanny precision, while Matt Damon perfectly captures the naivete and eventual disillusionment of Scott Thorson. A must-see.
• RogerEbert.com: “While the film’s focus remains tightly on the central relationship, the supporting cast shines, especially Rob Lowe as the terrifying plastic surgeon. The movie expertly balances the glitz with the underlying tragedy.

Audience Reactions

Michael Douglas’s performance as Liberace was mesmerizing and completely convincing.: The acting was universally praised, especially Michael Douglas’s portrayal of Liberace and Matt Damon’s portrayal of Scott Thorson.

The movie’s costumes and set design perfectly captured the over-the-top extravagance of Liberace’s world.: The film’s visual elements are stunning and truly bring Liberace’s opulent lifestyle to life.

The film does not shy away from its core subject.: I appreciate a film that is not afraid of showing its core subject and presents it openly and honestly.

Overall Consensus: Behind the Candelabra is a critically acclaimed film praised for its stellar performances, captivating story, and stunning visuals. It is a must-see for fans of biopics and character-driven dramas.

Awards

1. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie)- 2013
2. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special)- 2013
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Major studios passed on the film, deeming it ‘too gay.’ HBO Films ultimately financed the project.”
• “Michael Douglas underwent a significant physical transformation, including wearing wigs, makeup, and costumes, to embody the flamboyant persona of Liberace.”
• “The film is based on the memoir of Scott Thorson, Liberace’s former lover, providing a personal and intimate perspective on their relationship.”
• “The opulent sets and costumes accurately reflect Liberace’s extravagant lifestyle, requiring meticulous attention to detail from the production design team.”

🖥️ How to Watch Behind the Candelabra?

Behind the Candelabra is available to stream on Max. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for possible broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Behind the Candelabra, you might like these similar films:

• The Hours (2002): Explores themes of closeted identity and personal struggles, similar to Liberace’s fear of revealing his sexuality.
• Boogie Nights (1997): Captures the excess and decadence of the 1970s/80s and features a character navigating the world of fame and addiction.
• Rocketman (2019): A musical biopic that similarly explores the life and struggles of a famous musician, including addiction and identity.
• Milk (2008): A biographical drama that explores LGBTQ+ rights and activism, providing social context relevant to Liberace’s era.

🛒 Behind the Candelabra Related Products

• Liberace: An American Boy Paperback – Illustrated, September 1, 1987: A hard-to-find, vintage biography of Liberace with rare photos and insights into his life and career. This book goes behind the persona, and is a nice addition to any fan.
• Liberace Museum Collection: The Liberace Museum Collection is a limited-edition set including various items showcasing the famous pianist’s legacy. Highlighting his life’s key moments and career.
• Behind the Candelabra [Blu-ray]: The official Blu-ray release of ‘Behind the Candelabra’. Experience the critically acclaimed movie in stunning high definition with bonus content.
• The Liberace Collection: Piano Music Book: Learn to play Liberace’s most iconic songs with this comprehensive piano music book. Includes sheet music and arrangements.

🎧 Soundtrack

Behind the Candelabra features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tico Tico” – performed by Liberace
• “As Time Goes By” – performed by Liberace

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Liberace ex-lover talks about secret affair

Ever wonder what it was *really* like to be with Liberace? Hear it straight from Scott Thorson, his former lover, who spills the tea on their secret affair and the lengths Liberace went to keep it hidden. It’s wild!

The Tragic Life Of Liberace

Liberace’s life was more than just glitz and glamour. This video dives into the tragedies and struggles he faced, from his childhood to his career, giving you a whole new perspective on the man behind the candelabra. Definitely worth a watch!

Rob Lowe on Liberace and Face Lifts – new

Rob Lowe playing a plastic surgeon? Yes, please! He talks about his role in ‘Behind the Candelabra’ and the, uh, interesting plastic surgeon he plays. You gotta hear his stories – they’re hilarious!

LIBERACE’s Penthouse from BEHIND THE CANDELABRA Filming Locations

Curious where they filmed ‘Behind the Candelabra’? Take a virtual tour of Liberace’s lavish penthouse and other filming locations! It’s fascinating to see how the movie came to life in these real-world settings. You’ll love it!

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