A new 30-second Behind the Candelabra trailer has premiered that finally gives you a look at the new Steven Soderbergh movie, which is expected to play at this year’s Cannes Film Festival ahead of its May 26 airing on HBO.
The movie stars Michael Douglas as Liberace, telling the story of his secret, five-year love affair with Scott Thorson (Matt Damon).
Soderbergh has previously said the film ultimately landed at HBO because it was determined to be “too gay” for the major studios. Give the new trailer a watch and you tell me, if you were running a studio would you have any problem greenlighting Behind the Candelabra?
Before Elvis, before Elton John, Madonna and Lady Gaga, there was Liberace: virtuoso pianist, outrageous entertainer and flamboyant star of stage and television. A name synonymous with showmanship, extravagance and candelabras, he was a world-renowned performer with a flair that endeared him to his audiences and created a loyal fan base spanning his 40-year career. Liberace lived lavishly and embraced a lifestyle of excess both on and off stage. In summer 1977, handsome young stranger Scott Thorson walked into his dressing room and, despite their age difference and seemingly different worlds, the two embarked on a secretive five-year love affair. Behind the Candelabra takes a behind-the-scenes look at their tempestuous relationship–from their first meeting backstage at the Las Vegas Hilton to their bitter and public break-up.
