'Behind the Candelabra' ... Matt Damon in tighty whitey swimwear

[biff30xx]

The trailer has just been released of the movie about Liberace (played by Michael Douglas, of all people) and his 18-year-old boyfriend (played by the 42-year old Matt Damon) ... The London 'Daily Mail', far from concentrating on Liberace, has gone for the scene where Matt comes out of the swimming pool in tighty whities .... Well, at least they've got their priorities right ...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...s-outshone-Matt-Damons-tiny-white-trunks.html

 

[pat grimshaw]

I wonder if this thing is going to be appallingly bad or fabulously bad. Matt is still cute

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

This might be good. I'll be seeing it.

 

[Tadaa]

Lee was a real bitch.

 

[Sausy]

Anytime someone is so self- centered, and obsessive, to remake someone else into their own image, it just is appallingly wrong to me. Liberace 's problem wasn't that he was gay, but like so many pampered, selfish talented people he felt entitled, and no one ever told him to fuck off and get help for the craziness. Not that Scott Thorson was blameless, and he's done a lot in his life I'm sure he isn't proud of. Yet he was a directionless youth , and instead of finding a caring mentor he wound up with a vain, possessive older lover who just wasn't secure enough in his own life to be capable of loving freely and honestly Or help building a sense of responsibility and maturity in that younger man.. I'm not going to lie, I prefer guys in their 20's and 30's... but it's wrong to be so controlling , so possessive. He also wanted to feel young too, so had this outrageous plastic surgery which left him unable to close his eyes (which led to him appearing to sleep with his eyes open, a very disconcerting sight). Then eventually dumping Scott for another young buck.... while Liberace in real life could be very charming, and generous, and had great friendships... he was essentially empty and fearful, and hurt those he got closest to with his selfishness, controlling personality, and severe insecurity.

 

[joesman]

It is a movie that is extremely well played, especially by Douglas who gives this creepily great performance as Liberace. Matt Damon is just such a fine actor that you can read and feel hi emotions through his eyes and face. I suppose it followed the storyline very well and yet there is, in the end, a feeling of emptiness. It is enhanced when Liberace says "I don't want to die and old queen with AIDS". It was a very strange time for gay men in entertainment and Liberace got away with far more as a flamboyant gay man who appealed to middle aged and older women more than anyone and made a fortune but aquandered it away in fabulous living and his generous giving. There is a scene where the headline of Rock Hudson's death is prominently on screeen and a feeling of a time that was horrendous and heart breaking and so frightening.

And yet, it cannot be denied that Liberace was born to be exactly who he was. He wanted to be a serious actor but that voice and his mannerisms were far removed from what most considered a romantic figure. I think he made one film as a leading man and it was gadawful.

 

[Native Son]

I got bored at around the "Sid Luft obese period,'' and watched the rest at play x300. (The gist was got.)

 

[sixthson]

I have no interest in the man or a movie about him. I found him repulsive.

 

[Native Son]

I found him repulsive.

Would you care to elaborate?

 

[pat grimshaw]

Yes, sordid and repulsive, both full of self-deception and self-hate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/12/fashion/scott-thorson-the-boy-toys-story.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

 

[sonny10305]

 

[crimsonpaine]

I don't really buy Matt Damon as a 18 year old

 

[pat grimshaw]

I don't really buy Matt Damon as a 18 year old

I suspect this movie is a lurid comedy/melodrama rather than an accurate portrayal of real people.

Matt Damon's torso is pretty good for a 42 year old especially as how he is naturally porky. Gwyneth Paltrow was doing publicity for 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' saying she and Jude Law could eat lots of pasta while filming in Italy but poor Matt was on a starvation diet for his nude scenes.

 

[Adrock-JD]

I have HBO anyway, so I watched it. Both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon do a very good job of portraying these characters. The movie itself was just average, though.

I found Rob Lowe's performance as the freaky plastic surgeon to be a real treat.

Debbie Reynolds is only in a couple of short scenes as Lee's mother.

The houseboy and the protege cracked me up.

 

[Blueboy369]

I loved it! I recommend that anyone who has HBO should give this a look! Campy, funny, sad and well acted!

 

[tomind]

Michael Douglas as Liberace was good but Matt Damon not so much

 

[bendted]

I suspect this movie is a lurid comedy/melodrama rather than an accurate portrayal of real people.

So true. Those were my thought, too. It was a peak into the stereotypical 'gay lifestyle', nothing more. Not much substance to the movie, but still worthwhile to watch.

 

[Ohiospeedo]

Thought it was entertaining. Just wish Michael Douglas wasn't shirtless/naked so much.

 

[Native Son]

Pig.

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

Aweful movie. Looked like watching an episode of Ally mcBeal.