Genre: Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: James Franco, Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts, Charlie Carver, Daryl Hannah, Ahna O’Reilly
Description: Based on the fascination true-life story of Michael Glatze (James Franco), a gay activist who becomes a Christian pastor after identifying as a heterosexual.
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 11: A LGBTQ MOVIE
Review: In the late 2000s Michael Glatze, gay activist and co-founder of the magazine Young Gay America, announced that he embraced Christianity and no longer identified as homosexual. He even claimed that it was a bad thing. “I Am Michael” focuses on Michael’s change of paths and this somewhat incredible true story.
When we meet Michael, he is the editor of XY, a magazine for gay men stationed in San Francisco. He and his boyfriend Bennett seem to enjoy their life and seemingly perfect relationship. It’s so perfect that they even invite a third man, Tyler.
But deep inside Michael is in pain. He suffers from his mother’s death and becomes obsessed with questions about life after death. He drifts further apart from Bennett. Michael discovers that there is more love and truth in the bible then he initially thought and eventually devotes himself to God. Michael decides he no longer identifies as homosexual. He goes to bible school and meets a young woman there, whom he falls in love with.
Director Justin Kelly and all the actors seem not to be judging Glatze, but they can't downplay the sharp nature of his betrayal.
“I Am Michael” is a beautiful film without any technical fuss, which managed to keep my attention for the entire runtime. Maybe a bit fragmented, but because I didn’t know the original story it didn’t bother me. I found James Franco, who portrayed Glatze, very strong in his role and his character development was very interesting. Zachary Quinto, as Bennet, also did a good job. I liked the calm nature of his character and it felt like he somewhat served as Michael’s conscience.
Rating: 3/ 5
