A Compelling Story

Rating: 9/10 (30 December 2013)

I really wanted to see Behind the Candelabra but was a bit unsure. I like films to be conventional dramas and thought this movie could get a bit weird. I was completely wrong. It was a fascinating bio pic about the relationship of evanescent Liberace (played by Michael Douglas) and what was a teenage Scott Thorson (played ironically by 40 year old Matt Damon). It is a compelling drama as you watch the shifting levels of power between the two men. Both characters, while flawed seem genuinely nice people and have a real affection for each other, something that surprised me a great deal. Douglas and Damon have been nominated for Golden Globes. Although this is for television which also surprised me since it screened in cinemas in Australia. I guess some stories remain taboo for a long time. It is an interesting and well directed piece and well worth the two hours it takes to watch it.