Review: I Am Michael

Who is Michael Glatze? Is he a gay man advocating for the rights of the LGBT community? Or is he a Christian pastor who believes that "Gay doesn't exist, it's a false identity?" I Am Michael explores both identities of the controversial true-life figure with admirable impartiality, though that approach results in a distancing effect that slightly blunts the very provocations the film raises about identity, religion and sexuality.

Based on a New York Times story named "My Ex-Gay Friend" by Benoit Denizet-Lewis, the film begins in 1998 with Michael (James Franco) living in San Francisco with boyfriend Bennett (Zachary Quinto) and working as a managing editor at XY, one of the most influential magazines in the gay scene. Troubled by the recent death of Matthew Shepard (who was beaten, tortured and left for dead because he was gay), Michael is further resolved to ensure their readers are proud to be themselves, whether they're gay or straight.

Though Michael and Bennett's relationship is healthy enough to accommodate a three-way arrangement with college student Tyler (Charlie Carver), it's slowly eroded by Michael's dissatisfactions once the couple move to Nova Scotia for Bennett's new job. Michael feels without purpose and begins to dwell on not being with his mother when she died. He begins experiencing panic attacks, leading him to believe that he has inherited the same heart condition that killed his father. When he learns that the panic attacks are simply that, Michael begins to become more and more interested in Christianity, especially after encountering a teen who has been able to marry his homosexuality to his Christian beliefs.

At first, the change in his beliefs is fairly subtle and in line with the queer theory he has been espousing - "The only truth is love, the only sin is denying love." - but he soon renounces his homosexuality, shocking Bennett and sending shockwaves throughout the gay community. "Identifying as gay prevents you from finding your true self within," Michael explains. "We must be our true selves in order to join God. Therefore, I no longer identify as gay."

No one could be more ideal to portray Michael than Franco, who has long neither confirmed nor denied his own sexuality. Whether that openness or fluidity informs his characterisation is debatable, but this is certainly one of Franco's most subdued and nuanced performances. He convincingly conveys Michael's struggles and increasing alienation as he embraces the very beliefs he had so long opposed.

Despite its best intentions, the overall slow pace and somewhat repetitive scenes undermine the intriguing story at its core. There's a slight claustrophobia to the film, partially due to its single-minded focus on Michael's arc which makes his relationships with Bennett and, later, with future fiance Rebekah (Emma Roberts) feel perfunctory. Nevertheless, I Am Michael has its moments, none more thought-provoking than the final scene where Michael realises that his convictions may never lead him to personal contentment.

I Am Michael

Directed by: Justin Kelly

Written by: Justin Kelly, Stacey Miller; based on The New York Times story, "My Ex-Gay Friend" by Benoit Denizet-Lewis

Starring: James Franco, Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts, Charlie Carver, Avan Jogia, Leven Rambin, Daryl Hannah, Lesley Ann Warren