Behind The Candelabra

Mini Review

http://www.hbo.com/movies/behind-the-candelabra/index.html

I only became aware of Behind The Candelabra just before it's release, when during the press tour for the film, Michael Douglas openly admitted that Matt Damon has the softest lips he's ever kissed. That was one of the milder subject matters Mr Douglas touched upon in his many interviews; but of course, some of the more risque topics ensure that the film, and it's stars, are talked about. And when you're promoting a film like this, the more risque the topic the better. 

The film tells the tale of entertainer and rather good piano player Liberace (Michael Douglas). A man who managed to hide not only his sexuality but also his string of male lovers, and the AIDS that eventually killed him, from his adoring - and mostly female - fans. The story is set between 1977 and 1987 and focuses on the relationship Liberace (Lee to his friends) had with Scott (Matt Damon). We follow the couple from their initial courtship, through to some unnecessary and at times comical surgery for each of them, drug addiction, Lee's insatiable need for promiscuity and their inevitable break up. 

The film is very well acted, I honestly could not fault the performances from Douglas or Damon, and the supporting cast is a veritable dream, from Rob Lowe and Dan Aykroyd to Scott Bakula. But what bothered me was how much Behind The Candelabra has been marketed as a comedy, and it's really not. It tackles some seriously dark subjects, and a lot of the film Lee and Scott are fighting more than they're loving. As such, it's not as enjoyable as it appears from the trailer. There are laughs to be had but they're definitely few and far between.  

The film is certainly flamboyant and the filmmakers are not shy at stripping away the facade, eager to show what life in Liberace's shadow was like for Scott. But in this day and age neither is it especially shocking, so what the audience experiences is a somewhat interesting but mostly mild account of the life of a man who lived a lie.  

If you're interested in Liberace's life and seeing what hid behind the candelabra that was presented to the public, or if you're a fan of well acted, true life drama then this is definitely for you. If you're looking for light hearted laughs then maybe see something else. 5.5 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 9th June 2013

UK Release Date - 7th June 2013

Cast Overview:

Michael Douglas ~ Liberace

Matt Damon ~ Scott Thorson

Dan Aykroyd ~ Seymour Heller

Rob Lowe ~ Dr Jack Startz

Debbie Reynolds ~ Frances Liberace

Scott Bakula ~ Bob Black

Tom Papa ~ Ray Arnett

Paul Reiser ~ Mr Felder

Director ~ Steven Soderbergh

Writer(s) ~ Richard LaGravenese (Screenplay), Scott Thorson (Book) and Alex Thorleifson (Book)

Ghostbusters

http://www.ghostbusters.com/

It's classic film time once again folks! But this time I didn't need to travel up to London, or visit my local independent theatre to watch an oldie but goodie, as Ghostbusters came to Cineworld for one night only. 

As I was only 3 when Ghostbusters came out I can't quite remember the first time I saw it. But I do remember that I loved it and still love it to this day. It's an undisputed classic with so many memorable lines it's almost criminal.

For the uninitiated, Ghostbusters is a film about three scientists who decide to become spook catchers in New York City. Their first client Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) experiences a supernatural event in her kitchen and goes to the Ghostbusters, Dr Venkman (Bill Murray), Dr Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Dr Spengler (Harold Ramis) for help. They soon discover a coming apocalypse and Dana's apartment block seems to be the gateway. Will they be able to stop it in time? Or will the Environmental Protection Agency shut them down before they have a chance?

If you haven't seen Ghostbusters I suggest you get on it as Ghostbusters 3 (yes that's 3, there is also a Ghostbusters 2 that came out in 1989) is rumored to be coming out next year. The original is (so far) the best though and until now I had not seen it in the cinema. I saw Ghostbusters 2 a few years ago at a special one off screening, not dissimilar to this one, but seeing the original on the big screen was a special experience. 

I don't know what it is about 80s movies but they seemed to get away with so much more than films these days. Or maybe my mum was more accomodating and just allowed us to watch films we were too young for? It just seems to me that films like this and Back to the Future were a staple of my childhood and when I look at them now I see a lot of adult humour that I wouldn't have understood, strong-ish language and some quite scary visuals.

And yet, like another classic 80s film from my childhood, The Princess Bride, I still love Ghostbusters, but I find I love it now for the things I wouldn't have understood as a child. And yet not understanding those things back then certainly didn't make me love it less. I guess it just works on many levels.

Some of the effects haven't aged so well but a great story, written by the stars of the film Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis (and according to IMDb, co-written by Rick Moranis, although uncredited? How they know this I have no idea!) and fantastic comedic performances from Bill Murray, Aykroyd and Ramis, and what can only be described as great chemistry between all of the leads, Ghostbusters still thrills today.

If it's on at a cinema near you I recommend you go and see it, if not then you must buy, rent or borrow this off someone today and remember why it's considered a classic. 9.5 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 15th November 2011

Original UK Release Date - 7th December 1984

Cast Overview:

Bill Murray ~ Dr Peter Venkman

Dan Aykroyd ~ Dr Ray Stantz

Sigourney Weaver ~ Dana Barrett

Harold Ramis ~ Dr Egon Spengler

Rick Moranis ~ Louis Tully

Annie Potts ~ Janine Melnitz

William Atherton ~ Walter Peck

Ernie Hudson ~ Winston Zeddmore

Director ~ Ivan Reitman

Writer(s) ~ Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis