New HBO film from director Steven Soderbergh proves a hit with critics and audiences alike

May 28, 2013 09:55 GMT  ·  By

When director Steven Soderbergh first started toying with the idea of making a Liberace biopic based on the memoirs of his lover Scott Thorson, he was constantly told by movie studios that this was “too gay” a movie to ever happen. Until HBO agreed to do it.

“Behind the Candelabra,” starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon as leads (see the official trailer above) and Rob Lowe, premiered on TV in the US this Sunday and, judging from reactions online, not having it made would have been a huge shame.

Both critics and fans agree that the biopic is solid and beautiful, and that it does justice to a man who was known, before his eccentricities, for his warm heart and immense talent.

Rotten Tomatoes top critics give “Behind the Candelabra” an impressive 89% certified fresh. Users rating on the same website is at 100% in terms of “want to see.”

AceShowbiz reports that many stars who saw the film took to Twitter to enthuse about how amazing and touching it was, including Cher, Patton Oswalt, and Tara Buck.

“Behind the Candelabra” will be out in UK theaters on June 7. No word yet on whether HBO is considering a theatrical release domestically as well.