Passions in the world of kitsch and shallowness

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2013)

Many wealthy and/or famous people are factually incredulous and lonely as they are often unsure who their real friends and like-minders are (many will never find out as wealth or fame is maintained until the end). But when entertainment field and hidden sexuality come into question, then all inside and outside is boosted, resulting with "drama queendom", various ups and downs, occasional tragic events. Such were the last decades in the life of Liberace, an innovative entertainer who was almost unknown to me. Thanks to Behind the Candelabra, I can judge and assess the reasons of his enormous popularity and look into the glamorous life in L.A. during the years when AIDS hit most.
The cast is brilliant, particularly the stars Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott Thorson - I believe they both deserve an Oscar, as it is not easy for straight actors to perform gay characters in such an "open" manner, with some nudity and sex scenes included... Moreover, Dan Aykroyd as Seymour Heller and Rob Lowe as Dr. Jack Startz are interesting roles, rather different from their usual ones.
All in all, the movie is definitely for you if you like strong realistic dramas and have no ugh! views on gay lifestyle.