I Am Michael

I Am Michael is a biographical drama film from 2015 directed by Justin Kelly. The movie offers a profound and complex narrative about identity, faith, and sexuality. It's based on a real-life story, exploring the moving journey of Michael Glatze, a gay activist who becomes a Christian pastor. Produced by Gus Van Sant, the film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and generated significant buzz for its thought-provoking subject matter and compelling performances, notably by James Franco.

The narrative follows the life-span of Michael Glatze, played by Franco, who was a prominent writer and editor for various gay magazines and a well-known activist in the LGBTQ+ community. At the height of his career, he was also in a committed relationship with his boyfriend Bennett, portrayed by Zachary Quinto. The beauty of their relationship and their shared passion for advocacy make the first part of the movie a heart-warming testament to love.

However, the life of Michael takes a drastic turn when he starts experiencing health issues, precipitating an existential crisis and a deep dive into spiritual explorations. The film does not shy away from the introspective side of this journey, with numerous scenes showing Michael's internal conflicts and confusions. Throughout his journey, Glatze progressively shifts his personal belief system, leading him away from his earlier convictions and ultimately leading him to reject his identity as a homosexual man.

Franco delivers a powerful and controlled performance as Michael, depicting a man in the throes of a profound identity crisis with a sincerity that doesn't fail to emotionally impact the audience. Zachary Quinto's portrayal of Bennett is equally stirring, as he conveys his character's shock and heartbreak over Michael's transformation. Emma Roberts plays Rebekah, a Christian woman who becomes a major influence in Michael's new life. Her performance adds a significant dimension to the storyline, personifying the traditional values that draw Michael towards a new identity.

Other talents in the movie include Daryl Hannah and Charlie Carver, who contribute significantly to the film's emotional resonance. What sets I Am Michael apart is its unbiased storytelling. While the subject matter could easily become controversial, it avoids demonizing any character for their choices or beliefs.

The script is steeped in complexity, charting Michael's transformation from a gay rights campaigner to a Christian pastor, but it does so with sensitivity and respect. Its exploration of themes such as identity, faith, sexuality, and belief, isn't one-sided but allows the audience to think and form their perspectives. The writers avoid painting any of the paths that Michael chooses as right or wrong. Instead, they pose questions about personal truths, belief systems, and the fluid nature of identity.

The film's direction is noteworthy, using a mix of visual styles to mirror the psychological state of the protagonist. In particular, the use of contrasting color schemes effectively reflects Michael's transformation, with a more vibrant palette in his earlier life being replaced with muted tones as he embraces his new truth.

The sound design and score compliment the movie’s narrative, with alternating tones that underscore the highs and lows of Michael's journey. The cinematography, editing, and production design work in unison to craft a visually compelling film grounded in its characters' lived experiences.

I Am Michael doesn't serve as a typical biography, rather it investigates a man's search for self. It's a challenging film that refuses to offer easy answers but instead invites its viewers to reflect on the nature of identity, faith, and personal conviction. The film does not villainize or venerate Michael Glatze, instead it explores the raw humanity of a man grappling with his beliefs and identity.

In conclusion, I Am Michael provides an insightful and sensibly handled examination of a controversial figure's life journey. The film’s narrative is undeniably polarizing, but what shines through is its commitment to complex, sensitive character analysis and the powerful performances from the leading actors. It is a compelling representation of one man's struggle to reconcile his identity with his beliefs and the consequential effects of his transformation on the people around him. In the end, I Am Michael is an intelligent, provocative cinematic piece that offers food for thought about the negotiations between personal identity, sexuality and spirituality.