Thompson on Hollywood

Review Roundup: Critics Go Ga-Ga for Soderbergh's Outrageously Mesmerizing 'Behind the Candelabra'

Reviews

Critics are over the glittering, bedazzled moon for Steven Soderbergh's Cannes competition entry "Behind the Candelabra," set to premiere on HBO on May 26 and starring a no-holds-barred Michael Douglas and Matt Damon as the famed pianist Liberace and his younger lover, Scott Thorson. The Telegraph refers to it as a "gay Pygmalion myth: call it My Fair Laddie," while the Guardian raves that "the film is mesmeric, riskily incorrect, outrageously watchable and simply outrageous." Roundup below.

By Beth Hanna
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May 21, 2013 12:51 PM
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Cannes Review: Douglas and Damon Shine in Soderbergh's Funny, Poignant Melodrama 'Behind the Candelabra'

Reviews

The Cannes Film Festival accorded Steven Soderbergh's lush period melodrama "Behind the Candelabra" a prime competition slot (his fourth) for a reason. While it's not the first time an HBO movie has played in the mainbar (Stephen Hopkins' "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers" was in competition in 2004), it will be Soderbergh's last, if he sticks to his planned retirement from making films.

By Anne Thompson
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May 21, 2013 4:30 AM
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WATCH: Featurette on Soderbergh's Cannes-Bound 'Behind the Candelabra,' Starring Douglas and Damon

Video

To prep you for Steven Soderbergh's upcoming biopic, "Behind the Candelabra," HBO just released a fantastic 12-minute short movie about the making of the feature. More than getting into the nitty-gritty of the production, these clips cover much of Liberace's biography, psychology, exuberance, and charisma.

By Maggie Lange
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May 4, 2013 4:27 PM
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Immersed in Movies UPDATE: 'Elysium' Trailer Lands, Plus Previewing Blomkamp's Dystopian Sci-Fi Film

Features

At a Comic-Con-style presentation this morning at The Grove, we finally caught a glimpse of Neill Blomkamp's "Elysium," the ambitious sci-fi follow-up to his acclaimed indie hit, "District 9," which opens August 9. The trailer (watch below) and additional 10 minutes of socially-conscious, high-octane action didn't disappoint.

By Bill Desowitz
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April 10, 2013 12:39 PM
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Trailer Watch: Glitz, Ivory Tickling and Bath Time for Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in Soderbergh's 'Behind the Candelabra'

Video

A new teaser trailer has landed for Steven Soderbergh's "Behind the Candelabra," with Michael Douglas channeling famous pianist Liberace in all his glittered, feathered and tanned glory. As Matt Damon's Scott Thorson breathlessly gasps in the trailer, "Wow!"

By Beth Hanna
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April 1, 2013 12:40 PM
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The Hollywood Education of Ben Affleck, from 'Chasing Amy,' 'Armageddon' and 'Shakespeare' to his Second Act and 'Argo' [VIDEO]

News

Before accepting the Santa Barbara Modern Master Award from childhood pal Matt Damon, "Argo" helmer and star Ben Affleck, 40, with graceful help from master interviewer Leonard Maltin, showed his mettle as charming raconteur and ace impressionist. These skills have served "Argo" well in its surging race for Oscars.

By Anne Thompson
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February 13, 2013 2:34 PM
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Berlin: Damon on Affleck’s ‘Rough Spot,’ 'Promised Land'’s Bomb, and Berlin’s Airport Debacle

Festivals

At a press conference following the screening of his and Gus Van Sant’s "Promised Land" at the Berlinale today, Matt Damon was asked what the chances of Ben Affleck’s "Argo"winning the Academy Award, and if he was tired of talking about his friend and business partner. “His life is so interesting, I never get tired of talking about him,” said Damon with a smile. “He’s been on a roller coaster for the last fifteen years.”

By Tom Christie
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February 8, 2013 7:23 PM
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Bizarro, A-List Movies Lead HBO Lineup: TCA Winter Press Tour 2013

Television

Two provocative new star-driven movies – both about real-life musical geniuses whose lives took a dark turn – dominated HBO’s presentation Friday at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena. In one, Al Pacino plays reclusive record producer Phil Spector, convicted in 2009 of the gunshot murder of B-movie actress and House of Blues hostess Lana Clarkson. David Mamet directed from his own screenplay, and Helen Mirren plays Spector’s defense lawyer. The other, directed by Steven Soderbergh, features Michael Douglas as the late impresario Liberace, and Matt Damon as his much-younger chauffer and lover, Scott Thorson.

By Amy Dawes
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January 5, 2013 4:03 PM
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Review Roundup: Damon & Van Sant Fracking Drama 'Promised Land' Lacks Subtlety

Reviews

"Promised Land" is Matt Damon's third teaming with director Gus Van Sant, who jumped into directing the film at the last minute after Damon decided he couldn't direct the film that he wrote with John Krasinski. We know that Van Sant is a capable director--nothing is wrong with his handling of this material. The fault lies in the script, which is well-intentioned with a strong anti-fracking message.

By Anne Thompson and Beth Hanna
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December 5, 2012 3:40 PM
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Matt Damon Boarding Clooney's 'Monuments Men,' Plus What's Next (It's Not 'Bourne')

News

George Clooney's adaptation of "Monuments Men" may add Matt Damon to it's already star-packed cast. The film is based on the true story as documented in Robert M. Edsel's book "The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History"...