Behind the Candelabra (2013)

Mr. Man has always thought Michael Douglas is a bottom. And now we have proof thanks to Behind the Candelabra (2013), Stephen Soderbergh’s star-studded tribute to glittery gay icon Liberace and his live-in lover (er, sorry, “driver”) Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). Based on Thorson’s non-fiction book “Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace” (1988), the small screen biopic focuses on the last ten years of the flamboyant pianist’s life. If that’s not enough of a show biz pitch, the flick also marks the final onscreen performance by Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds. The film also features Dan Aykroyd as talent agent Seymour Heller and Tom Papa as stage director/choreographer Ray Arnett. Partially shot in Zsa Zsa Gabor’s mansion in Bel Air and Siegfried & Roy’s Vegas estate, the ambiance offers over the top glamor. Yet not everything is mink and rhinestones in Scott and Liberace’s world, especially when you consider Rob Lowe’s portrayal of a creepy plastic surgeon. But we do get to see the two topless leads take a bubble bath together. If that’s not hot enough, Matt takes Michael to brown town. The action is off screen but that doesn’t mean the film isn’t worth watching. In fact, the HBO pic picked up a win for Best Movie/Miniseries at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards as did Douglas for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries. Of course, it was an honor for Damon just to be nominated. Considering the skin on these first-rate perv-formers, Behind the Candelabra will make you grip your candlestick!