This made-for-TV movie (which later received a cinematic release) recounts the stormy six-year relationship between flamboyant entertainer Liberace (Michael Douglas) and his younger lover Scott Thorson (Matt Damon).

Raised in foster homes, a 17-year-old, bisexual Thorson is introduced to Liberace by a Hollywood producer whom Thorson has met in a gay bar. He begins a romantic relationship with the pianist, but Thorson ultimately finds Liberace’s excessive wealth and attention suffocating: the jealous Liberace prefers to keep him away from the outside world and spends millions on surgery in a bizarre bid to transform Thorson’s face to more closely resemble his own. After Liberace strays, finding a new companion, Thorson rebels and seeks legal damages. This is a tragic and enduring love story; even through these tumultuous times, Liberace and Thorson are unable to entirely sever their bond.

This could be just another B-grade telemovie if not for the performances of its stars. I remember seeing Liberace throughout the 70s in his TV specials and recall a larger-than-life character who, not too dissimilarly to André Rieu today, was known more for his showmanship that his technical ability. Douglas gets the performance spot on: the whining, nasally voice, the speed and dramatic hand gestures of his piano playing, the hair and outrageous outfits, and then those teeth! It is a master class in disappearing into a role. Damon also impresses, as do Debbie Reynolds and Rob Lowe. Make no mistake, though: this movie belongs to Michael Douglas and his chameleon-like interpretation of the king of the ivories.

Lou Fulco