I Am Michael (2015)

Based on the fascinating true-life story of Michael Glatze, a gay activist who becomes a Christian pastor after identifying as a heterosexual.

Director:

Justin Kelly

Writers:

Justin Kelly, Stacey Miller (based on an article by)

Stars:

James Franco, Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts

8 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Franco	...	Michael Glatze
Zachary Quinto	...	Bennett
Emma Roberts	...	Rebekah Fuller
Charlie Carver	...	Tyler
Avan Jogia	...	Nico
Daryl Hannah	...	Deborah
Lesley Ann Warren	...	Susan
Jefferson Mays	...	Preacher Teacher
Jan Maxwell	...	Coltry
Ahna O'Reilly	...	Laura
Nick Rehberger	...	Adam
Leven Rambin	...	Catherine
Kevin Cahoon	...	Peter
Blake Lee	...	Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Jacob Loeb	...	Teddy

Storyline

I AM MICHAEL is the incredible true-life story of Michael Glatze (Franco), a high profile gay youth activist who created a national controversy when he claimed to no longer be gay and became a straight Christian pastor. The film follows Michael from his life in San Francisco with his boyfriend Bennett (Quinto), where he pursues political activism, a journalist career at XY Magazine, social awareness, and sexual exploration, to his days of personal self-discovery. After a traumatic scare, Michael is plagued by doubt and paranoia, and begins a religious reawakening. Michael renounces his gay lifestyle, rejects his friends, and endeavors to find his "true self." He explores Buddhism and Mormonism, yet ultimately lands at a Christian Bible school in rural Wyoming where he meets his girlfriend, Rebekah (Roberts), and becomes the pastor of his own church. This powerful new film captures one man's haunting journey through modern concepts of love, denial and redemption.

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Plot Keywords:

gay | video | dog walking | cell phone | halifax nova scotia | 

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Taglines:

One man. Two lives.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 January 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

Michael

Company Credits

Production Co:

Patriot Pictures, RabbitBandini Productions, Thats Hollywood

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Glatze sold his life rights away for $75,000 for the film to be made.

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Quotes

Michael Glatze: Can I buy you a drink?
Tyler: Don't you have a boyfriend?
Michael Glatze: Hmm... he'll think you're cute too.

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Connections

Features Jim in Bold (2003)

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Soundtracks

Crucify
Written and Performed by Tori Amos
Produced by Davitt Sigerson & Ian Stanley
Courtesy of Atlantic Records
Sword and Stone Publishing (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Effective Performances

Audiences are first introduced to Michael Glatze (James Franco) as he chastises a young gay teenager and declares moral individuals choose heterosexuality and God. However, this was not always the case with Mr. Glatze. Rewind the story a decade and we find Michael living happily in San Francisco with his partner Bennett (Zachary Quinto) as he works as the Managing Editor of XY Magazine, a popular gay lifestyle publication. Glatze encouraged gay communities to identify with their sexuality, but after a medical scare revolving around his potential heart condition, Glatze begins his journey exploring Christianity and abandoning his former beliefs and lifestyle. Franco beautifully portrays an obviously confused individual questioning his own mortality and willing to risk everything he's built his life around. Quinto offers the supporting shoulder as he is forced to move forward into an uncertain future with the love of his life. Director Justin Kelly effectively leads audiences though the life of a confused individual who abandons one life for another while outsiders both ridicule and praise his challenging choice. -Jimmy Martin