Behind the Candelabra
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: May 26, 2013
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30

Critic Reviews

  1. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    May 23, 2013
    58
    Behind the Candelabra doesn't really get behind anything; it just rolls around in tacky history.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    May 24, 2013
    50
    While Mr. Douglas glides through the film--demonstrating that his talent for portraying carnivorous lechery and polished duplicity works regardless of sexual orientation--and Mr. Damon is earnest and committed, the love, or whatever it was, between Thorson and Liberace never comes into emotional focus.
  3. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Sara Smith
    May 23, 2013
    50
    Behind the Candelabra isn’t a smear job, but it’s not a revelation, either.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 87
  3. Negative: 6 out of 87
  1. EricaManfred
    May 27, 2013
    10
    I adored this film. I saw Liberace on TV in the 1950s when I was a teenager and couldn't figure out what the fuss was about. Why wouldI adored this film. I saw Liberace on TV in the 1950s when I was a teenager and couldn't figure out what the fuss was about. Why would anyone, especially woman, find this mincing drag queen a heartthrob. (I loved Elvis). All the massively crazy glitz was considered low class and trashy at the time--the word camp hadn't yet been invented and homosexuality was still considered a perversion. How times have changed--thank God. Douglas and Damon turn what could have been a travesty into a treasure. Douglas' performance portraying a man who was a joke in his own time into a flesh and blood tragic figure is brilliant. He skates a very fine line between caricature and flesh and blood, never missing a beat. Damon is equally incredible. He turns a stereotypical pretty boy who seemingly just wants Liberace's money and reflected glory, into a tragic figure in his own right. Yes, he wants to take Liberace's money, but he also wants to be loved by him. Rob Lowe as the plastic surgeon is hysterical, and so is Debbie Reynolds as Liberace's mother. A great biopic is almost impossible to make, especially about someone as ridiculous as Liberace but Soderbergh has managed. The graphic sex scenes reveal character and aren't thrown in just for prurient interest. Bravo to HBO for taking this on. Yet another example of their support of great, if controversial, film.… Full Review »
  2. Digitank
    Jun 2, 2013
    10
    This is an epic movie. I didn't know what to expect and was curious because of the reviews i have read. And then.. it blew me away, it took meThis is an epic movie. I didn't know what to expect and was curious because of the reviews i have read. And then.. it blew me away, it took me completey by surprise. Michael Douglas and Matt Damon deserve every award of this planet for their performance, i cannot praise this enough. Also stellar was the direction, costume, make up, art direction. Seriously one of the best movies in tv-history. Chapeau!!… Full Review »
  3. MattBrady99
    Mar 27, 2015
    8
    Based on the autobiography, the film explores the relationship between Liberace and his six-year relationship with young lover Scott Thorson.Based on the autobiography, the film explores the relationship between Liberace and his six-year relationship with young lover Scott Thorson. This movie has outstanding acting and a good cast.… Full Review »
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