In late 2009 I received a google alert directing me to a news article stating that Steven Soderbergh was shopping around a movie based on the life of Liberace.
Yes, I have a google alert set for “Liberace.”
You could say I’m a fan.
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| I’m not saying the costumes are bad, I’m just saying they need more sequins. |
Since that google alert in 2009, following the production of this movie has reduced me to near-stalkerhood. It would be embarrassing if it wasn’t so fabulous.
First they couldn’t get anyone to pick it up because it was “too gay”, then HBO picked it up, then they cast DEBBIE “MOTHER OF TAFFETA” REYNOLDS as Liberace’s mother, thennnnn, sigh, then it got halted because Michael Douglas had cancer. However, Douglas, like a champ, recovered and came back to snog face with Matt Damon, who plays Scott Thorson – Liberace’s lover, who wrote the book that the movie is based on (I won’t ruin the story – let’s just say, it didn’t end well). Interestingly, Thorson is now jail for identity theft (unrelated to anything in the movie), but just knowing that tid-bit of perspective makes this whole thing one big undulating ball of salacious rhinestones.
Ughhhh! Why must I wait three more days?
Behind the Candelabra premiers on HBO, Sunday, May 26, 9PM Eastern.
Liberace fans, here – chomp on this interview with Soderbergh that was on NPR yesterday.
Not-Yet Liberace Fans Who Are Thinking of Watching the Movie – consider watching this clip of the real Liberace and Thorson on stage in 1981. The bubble machine above the bathtub is my favorite part.
I immediately thought of you when I heard the interview on Fresh Air yesterday! I would love to catch the movie but unfortunately we dont have HBO :[
Seriously, there had better be more sequins and other sparkly stuff!
Oooh, yes yes yes, I have been so excited for this! Thanks for that onstage clip, so fun. Weirdly, what came into my head as I watched: I think Lee and Huell Howser graduated with honors from the same School Of Folksy Charm.
Well, tomorrow you can start off the weekend with Hangover 3! Are you going to dress in costume for the Liberace film? Do you have a cape? I think you need a very plush black velvet one, with a rhinestone clasp.
My Italian grandma really did used to say, “such a nice boy, so good to his mother” when we watched Liberace on tv. Thanks for the alert. Setting my DVR now.
I would also accept more rhinestones.
I hope they talk about his showmanship. My grandfather loved to see him perform because he gave a great show.
I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Liberace but I have always been intrigued by him.
I can’t wait for this movie!!!!
ella
LOVE Liberace and can’t wait for the movie. Shockingly my mother just figured out he was gay.
I had heard rumours about a biopic about the great L quite a while ago. Unless I was dreaming, I thought I heard George Clooney’s name bandied about then … maybe I was dreaming!?? How fab of Michael Douglas to do this role!!! Now that’s a real ACTOR!! Years ago in the 60s, when I was a little lassie growing up in Glasgow, my Dad, who was in the TV biz, took me to the Alhambra Theater (front row) for a show starring the great L. I was about 9 and about to undergo yet another operation on my leg. This was my treat, and do you know what? The great L was talking to the audience from the stage and showing his fabulous blingy rings. He looked in my direction and said: “This is my favourite ring… see this Jane??!!! …me! I’ve had a soft spot for the great L ever since, and am looking forward to the movie that you, Aunt Peaches, alerted to.. Thanks
WAAHHHH- I don’t have HBO D-:=
OH YES.
I am DVR-ing it so I can watch it in all it’s sequined glory after the kids are in bed.
And that NPR interview? Awesome.