Thursday, June 14, 2012

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)
Michael (2011)
Genre: Drama
Director: Markus Schleinzer
Starring: Michael Fuith, David Rauchenberger
Language: German
Duration: 96 min.
Rating: 7.0
Summary:
A meek insurance salesman keeps a ten year old boy locked in his basement, while doing his best to appear ordinary to the outside world.
Michael is the feature debut from Austrian writer/director Markus Schlienzer, who previously worked as a casting director, most notably for Michael Haneke. The film premiered in competition at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

It's a chilling and very difficult to watch story that echos some of the terrible real life cases that have come to attention in recent history. Of a pedophile (Michael Fuith), who holds a 10-year-old boy (David Rauchenberger) captive in a locked room in his basement.

Schleinzer tackles this volatile subject in a manner that suggests he's picked up a thing or two from working with the Austrian master. There is that distinct cold and detached way in which the narrative is presented. One that instead of going the shock, sensational, or exploitative route; maintains a clinically objective distance and avoids ever forcing a moral or personal stance, leaving the full burden on the viewer.

In fact all of the evil deeds are wisely left out of the film. We only see the before and after, and most of it is a portrait of mundane everyday suburban life. That's probably the most chilling aspect of the film, the fact that on the outside this guy isn't all that different from the rest of us. There are no warning signs at all. He gets along with coworkers, is comfortable enough in social situations, and appears to come from a decent family. 

Fuith delivers the definition of a brave performance, playing someone who the audience constantly wants to reach through the screen and kill in the most painful way possible, and risking forever being associated with this creepy character.

A strongly crafted and a very technically proficient work, especially for a first time director. But I think overall it fails to really say anything, offer any answers, or provide useful insight. Maybe that's the point, however it reduces the film into being a long drawn out suspense horror scenario whose chief result is to make the audience feel as uncomfortable as possible.  
Bonjour Tristesse
Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

Michael (2011)

16 comments:

stevens1 said...

Good review BT (is that what I call you??). In a sense I found it refreshing that there were no
judgements or final conclusions drawn from Michaels story. It was a case of the
director slapping us in the face with the horrible truth as it is that exists
around us every day and as in real life. Sometimes all you can do is sit back
in horror unable to change a thing.

FrontRoomCinema said...

I dunno man, this is a film I want to see, but I am afraid of my reaction, as a parent!

The Angry Lurker said...

This sounds very creepy and seems to fulfil it's role as uncomfortable watching!

Michaël Parent said...

Looks pretty efficient as a Horror story. The subject is very controversial and I think the treatment too. This might start many discussions.

Pete Turner said...

Can't say I'm looking forward to this one but the reviews have intrigued me and it's on it's way to me from Lovefilm right now. Not sure it's going to be ideal Friday night viewing either.

TheVern said...

AHHHH. The premise alone really disturbs me, but yet your review and trailer makes me want to check it out because it doesn't look exploitive.

Emmett Singer said...

Strange movie, nice review!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yep BT works for me.

I agree that it was a refreshing way to present the story, absent of the usual sensationalism and demonizing we see in every headline when a case like this comes to light. But at the same time, everyone already agrees it's a horrible thing, so it's just telling a story for the sake of telling a story, and in my eye that's not enough for a Cannes competition film.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I totally understand your reasoning Scott.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Probably safe to say I won't be watching this one again.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

It's really only the subject matter that makes it a horror story. I think most horror fans would be completely bored with this, aside from maybe the last 10 minutes or so.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah it's going to be challenging viewing no matter when, but if you do see it I look forward to reading your review.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah, if it wasn't a Cannes official selection chances are I would have skipped it. But having seen it, it's a very well crafted and delicately handled piece despite the subject matter.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thank you!

d_4 said...

This does sound disturbing. I find that.. intriguing. It's funny how sometimes I enjoy those feelings. When well done, anyway.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I know what you mean, that's one of the things films like this are great for. Providing a safe outlet to scare or creep ourselves out.

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