Sometimes movies go through the entire process of production only to never truly see the light of day with a theatrical release. Such has been the case for a completed James Franco drama, I AM MICHAEL, which screened at Sundance in 2015 only to not get picked up for distribution. The movie seemed doomed to the underbelly of unreleased cinema, never to be seen in theaters or at home…until now. Twist!
News is that Brainstorm Media has picked up the rights to the movie and will distribute it to theaters on January 27, 2017 with a 10-market run and at-home digital release. The film from director Justin Kelly, executive producer Gus Van Sant and produced by Franco was made back in 2014, but aside from its Sundance screening was only shown at small festivals and events where it received mostly warm reception. Based on the New York Times article, MY EX-GAY FRIEND, MICHAEL tells the true story of Michael Glatze (Franco), a gay youth activist who became a straight Christian pastor, effectively denouncing his gay lifestyle. The film also stars Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts and Daryl Hannah. Franco had this to say about the project:
“I Am Michael is an incredibly original film on a very important topic: identity. As we move into a new presidency where sexual orientation might once again be called into question, a film that examines this from such an unusual perspective is invaluable. I'm proud to be a part of it.”
I don’t know much about this movie other than what I've read about it for this piece, but the international trailer for the film (below) is engaging enough, and the actual story itself is one I feel like I really need to read more about. Whether or not the movie is good is one thing, but I’m just glad it will get a chance to be seen. I mean, when's the next time we're gonna get to see James Franco in anything?
I AM MICHAEL will go into limited theaters and digital release January 27 and check out Chris Bumbray's review from 2015 here!