Based on a true story, I Am Michael is an intriguing tale of identity and fear presented as a “reverse coming out story”. While portraying an interesting subject matter, the story didn’t flow as gracefully as it could have and leaves the viewer a bit confused at parts.
I Am Michael begins with the titular Michael, played by James Franco, denouncing the homosexual lifestyle, then jumps ten years in the past to show the journey Michael, a gay man, went on to reach that point in his life. We follow Michael as a traumatic life event sets him forth to try to discover who he is, or is it to repress who he really is?
That being said, I Am Michael was not evenly paced. The story seemed to both drag out and speed up, creating a choppy viewing experience. The film felt as if it went on a bit too long, as if the story could have wrapped up as it came full circle and re-reference the opening flash forward. The supporting cast was excellent though, particularly Zachary Quinto who played Michael’s long-time boyfriend, though the role was mostly reactionary to Michael’s actions.
The music in this film was the most remarkable part of I Am Michael, using unique sounds to set the tone. I Am Michael is a melancholy story with a melancholy pacing. It’s serious through and through, showing a person struggling deeply with the most fundamental parts of himself, a person who wants to forge his own path but doesn’t truly know how.
All images are courtesy of the Sundance Institute.
