Rating of
2/4
Behind the Candelabra review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 06/25/13
This reviewer is highly critical when it comes to dark comedies, this was rather average. Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) works as an animal trainer for movies and meets Bob Black, a Hollywood producer, in a gay bar. Black introduces Thorson to Liberace (Michael Douglas), who fancies him and invites him to be his secretary. The score of course was excellent with a lot of piano pieces in full display. Damon was solid as always and Douglas surprisingly effective in this unusual role (compared to his very male related roles). Maybe he was looking for a new/challenging role and since he has worked with the director before with Traffic. Basically it encapsulates the story of the rise and fall of Liberace and how Scott got into the mix. Set pieces were elegant since it does show the extravagant lifestyle of the legendary pianist. Camera direction was good as always but th whole project was baffling for the director to do. Behind the Candelabra offers nothing new or refreshing, it has some comical moments and heavy drama. In this critic's opinion, Steven Soderbergh needs to do more crime flicks and further from drama since his pacing and plots are just too average for his skill level and talent.
