‘Behind the Candelabra’ is a fascinating journey into the life of the flamboyant pianist and entertainer Liberace, as well as the turbulent relationship he shared with his lover and confidante, Scott Thorson. 

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the book by Scott Thorson and Alex Thorleifson, as well as the movie directed by Steven Soderbergh. 

We will also explore the parent guide, the timeline and film locations, the characters and their inspirations, memorable quotes and other things you should know.

Book summary: ‘Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace’

‘Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace’ is an autobiographical book written by Scott Thorson and Alex Thorleifson. 

It was published in 1988 and provides a detailed account of Thorson’s life as Liberace’s lover and personal assistant. 

The book sheds light on the glitzy world of Liberace and the darker aspects of their relationship, including drug addiction, infidelity, and emotional manipulation.

The book details how Thorson, a teenager from a troubled background, met Liberace and was soon drawn into his glamorous world. Their relationship, which began as a friendship, evolved into a romantic partnership that lasted for several years. The book also delves into the legal battle that ensued after their breakup, as Thorson sued Liberace for palimony.

‘Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace’ is a fascinating and candid account of the life of a legendary entertainer and the tumultuous relationship he shared with his young protégé.

Movie summary: ‘Behind the Candelabra’ (2013)

The 2013 movie ‘Behind the Candelabra,’ directed by Steven Soderbergh, is an adaptation of the book by Scott Thorson and Alex Thorleifson. 

The film stars Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott Thorson. The movie chronicles the life of Liberace and his relationship with Thorson, focusing on the tumultuous years they spent together.

The film is a compelling exploration of the glamour, excess, and emotional turmoil that defined Liberace’s world. It also delves into the darker aspects of their relationship, including drug addiction, infidelity, and emotional manipulation. 

The movie received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly those of Douglas and Damon, as well as its portrayal of the extravagant world of Liberace.

The Parent Guide to ‘Behind the Candelabra’

‘Behind the Candelabra’ is a movie that deals with mature themes, including drug addiction, infidelity, and emotional manipulation. As such, it may not be suitable for younger audiences. The film features strong language, sexual content, and nudity, as well as scenes of drug use and violence.

Parents should consider the maturity level of their children before deciding whether to watch this movie with them. It may serve as a conversation starter for discussing the complexities of relationships, addiction, and the consequences of fame and fortune.

Uncovering the timeline and film locations

‘Behind the Candelabra’ takes place in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during the height of Liberace’s career and his relationship with Scott Thorson. 

The film features several iconic locations from Liberace’s life, including his opulent homes in Las Vegas and Palm Springs. The movie was filmed in various locations in California, Nevada, and New York, capturing the glitz and glamour of Liberace’s world.

Some of the notable film locations include the Zsa Zsa Gabor estate in Bel Air, which served as Liberace’s Palm Springs home, and the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, which was used for scenes set in the famous Las Vegas Hilton. Other locations include the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the Los Angeles Theatre, and the New York City nightclub Studio 54.

Who’s who: the characters and their inspirations

The characters in ‘Behind the Candelabra’ are based on real people from the lives of Liberace and Scott Thorson. 

Michael Douglas portrays Liberace, the flamboyant pianist and entertainer known for his extravagant lifestyle and dazzling stage performances. Matt Damon plays Scott Thorson, Liberace’s young lover and personal assistant, who struggled with drug addiction and became entangled in a bitter legal battle with the entertainer.

Other characters in the movie include:

• Debbie Reynolds as Frances Liberace, Liberace’s mother

• Dan Aykroyd as Seymour Heller, Liberace’s manager

• Scott Bakula as Bob Black, a Hollywood producer who introduces Scott to Liberace

• Rob Lowe as Dr. Jack Startz, a plastic surgeon who performs procedures on both Liberace and Scott

Many of the characters in the film are based on real people, with some names changed for legal reasons or creative license.

Memorable quotes and the Marvin Hamlisch soundtrack

‘Behind the Candelabra’ features several memorable quotes that capture the essence of the characters and their relationships. 

Some notable quotes include:

• “I love to give people a good time.” – Liberace

• “Why would a star like you want to be with someone like me?” – Scott Thorson

• “I want to be everything to you, Scott. Father, brother, lover, best friend.” – Liberace

The movie also boasts a beautiful soundtrack composed by the late Marvin Hamlisch. 

The score features several of Liberace’s most famous piano performances, as well as original compositions by Hamlisch that evoke the luxurious world of the entertainer.

Curiosities and trivia about ‘Behind the Candelabra’

• The movie was initially developed as a feature film but was eventually produced as a television movie by HBO due to concerns about its commercial viability.

• Michael Douglas and Matt Damon spent months preparing for their roles, including piano lessons and dialect coaching.

• Douglas’s performance as Liberace earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, while Damon received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor.

• The film’s costumes, designed by Ellen Mirojnick, feature authentic pieces from Liberace’s wardrobe, including his extravagant fur coats and bejeweled capes.

Dressing up: tips for cosplay and emulating the characters’ style

For those interested in cosplay or emulating the distinctive styles of Liberace and Scott Thorson, here are some tips:

• For Liberace, focus on luxurious fabrics like satin, velvet, and fur, and incorporate plenty of sparkle with sequins, rhinestones, and metallic accents.

• Don’t forget the accessories, such as oversized rings, flashy watches, and extravagant eyewear.

• For Scott Thorson, opt for a classic 70s and 80s style with flared pants, wide-collared shirts, and leather jackets.

Scott Thorson and Alex Thorleifson: their lives and works

Scott Thorson was born in 1959 and had a difficult childhood, marked by foster homes and juvenile detention centers. 

After his relationship with Liberace ended, Thorson struggled with drug addiction and legal troubles. 

He later wrote his memoir, ‘Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace,’ which was adapted into the 2013 movie.

Alex Thorleifson is a writer who collaborated with Thorson on his memoir. Though primarily known for his work on ‘Behind the Candelabra,’ Thorleifson has also written other books, including the novel ‘The Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist.’

Decoding the ending: explained and potential sequels or spin-offs

The ending of ‘Behind the Candelabra’ sees Scott Thorson and Liberace part ways, with Thorson embarking on a legal battle against the entertainer for palimony. 

The movie concludes with Liberace’s death from complications related to AIDS in 1987, and Thorson reflecting on their tumultuous relationship.

Given the biographical nature of the story, a direct sequel or spin-off is unlikely. 

However, there is potential for exploring other aspects of Liberace’s life or delving into the lives of other characters featured in the movie.

Steven Soderbergh’s other media and similar works

Steven Soderbergh is a prolific filmmaker with a diverse body of work, including movies like ‘Sex, Lies, and Videotape,’ ‘Traffic,’ ‘Erin Brockovich,’ ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ and ‘Magic Mike.’ 

Fans of ‘Behind the Candelabra’ may also enjoy Soderbergh’s other films, which often explore complex characters and relationships.

Other similar works include ‘My Week with Marilyn,’ a biographical drama about the relationship between Marilyn Monroe and a young assistant, and ‘Love & Mercy,’ a biopic about the life of Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson.

Exploring more of Scott Thorson and Alex Thorleifson’s works

For those interested in learning more about Scott Thorson and Alex Thorleifson, their memoir ‘Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace’ provides a deeper insight into their lives and experiences. 

Additionally, Thorleifson’s novel ‘The Billion Dollar Hollywood Heist’ offers a fictionalized account of a high-stakes robbery in the world of show business.

Media similar to ‘Behind the Candelabra’ and ‘My Life with Liberace’

If you enjoyed ‘Behind the Candelabra’ and ‘My Life with Liberace,’ you might also like:

• ‘Rocketman,’ a biographical musical about the life of Elton John

• ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ a biopic about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury

• ‘The Iron Lady,’ a biographical drama about the life of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

Book club discussion questions for ‘Behind the Candelabra’

• How does the book compare to the movie adaptation? Are there any significant differences between the two?

• What aspects of Liberace’s life and career surprised you the most?

• How does the book explore themes of fame, fortune, and addiction?

• How do you think the relationship between Liberace and Scott Thorson impacted both of their lives?

Video games and interactive experiences inspired by ‘Behind the Candelabra’

While there are no specific video games or interactive experiences based on ‘Behind the Candelabra’ or ‘My Life with Liberace,’ fans of the movie and book may enjoy games that immerse players in the world of show business and celebrity culture, such as ‘The Sims: Superstar’ or ‘Hollywood: The Director’s Cut.’

A travel guide to visit the iconic locations from ‘Behind the Candelabra’

For those interested in visiting the iconic locations featured in ‘Behind the Candelabra,’ consider planning a trip to Las Vegas, Palm Springs, or Los Angeles. 

These cities boast numerous sites associated with Liberace, including his former homes, performance venues, and the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas.

Conclusion

‘Behind the Candelabra’ is a captivating exploration of the life of Liberace and his tumultuous relationship with Scott Thorson. 

The book and movie provide intriguing insights into the world of show business, as well as the darker aspects of fame, fortune, and addiction. 

With its compelling story, memorable quotes, and dazzling performances, ‘Behind the Candelabra’ is a must-see for fans of biographical dramas and the fascinating world of Liberace.