Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013

Based on the memoirs of many-splendored pianist and proto-queen Lee Liberace’s (an astounding Michael Douglas) much-younger lover Scott Thorsen (Matt Damon, just as good), Steven Soderbergh’s multi-layered film merrily delves into the creepier side of the man’s predatory sexual practices. But Douglas’s subtle performance stops short of portraying the man as a narcissistic control freak, and Damon plays it naïve rather than as victim or opportunist. The two found something akin to love before fame, drugs and money drove them apart. The film is confident, slyly funny and filled with emotional tension. Japanese title: Ai Suru Liberace. (118 min)