Michael

Name: Michael
Genre: Drama
Released: February 15, 2012
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 64
Cast: Christine Kain, David Rauchenberger, Michael Fuith, Ursula Strauss, Victor Tremmel

2012

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Ratings

See All

6.9

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6.9	Your Score
6.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Michael

Now Playing: Michael

Movie Details & Credits

Strand Releasing | Release Date: February 15, 2012 | Not Rated

Starring: Christine Kain, David Rauchenberger, Michael Fuith, Ursula Strauss, Victor Tremmel

Summary: Michael, a seemingly meek insurance agent, has a secret: he's holding 10-year-old Wolfgang captive in a locked room in his basement. Chronicling a five month period, director Markus Schleinzer reveals a tense portrait of how seemingly mundane lives can hide the darkest secrets. Michael is a masterfully executed study of a monster with richMichael, a seemingly meek insurance agent, has a secret: he's holding 10-year-old Wolfgang captive in a locked room in his basement. Chronicling a five month period, director Markus Schleinzer reveals a tense portrait of how seemingly mundane lives can hide the darkest secrets. Michael is a masterfully executed study of a monster with rich cinematic detail and unnerving insight. (Strand Releasing)… Expand

Director: Markus Schleinzer

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 96 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Stephen Holden

Feb 16, 2012

This coldly compelling film doesn't try to explain Michael's behavior or analyze his disease. As if doing penance for Michael's sins, it eventually metes out unequivocal punishment, but it is small consolation. Read full review

Empire Damon Wise

Feb 27, 2012

As horrifying and hard to watch as you'd expect a paedophile's-eye view of life to be. It's neither sensationalist nor trite, and the questions it asks are intelligent and thoughtful. Read full review

Mike Scott

Mar 9, 2012

Writer-director Markus Schleinzer's exceedingly dark drama -- guaranteed to make audiences squirm in their seats -- is emotionally unsettling. Read full review

Alissa Simon

Feb 14, 2012

Illustrating the banality of evil in an impressively controlled and sometimes darkly humorous fashion, Michael takes a coolly nonjudgmental, non-psychological approach to a disturbing topic. Read full review

Walter Addiego

May 12, 2012

A film that's hard to watch and hard to recommend. Read full review

Mark Jenkins

Feb 21, 2012

It's hard to make a movie about a pederast without being exploitative, and Michael eventually comes to feel like an art house stunt. Read full review

Andrew Schenker

Feb 14, 2012

A (relatively) tasteful and restrained approach to potentially lurid subject matter isn't necessarily any better than one that gives in freely to what might be seen as a filmmaker's baser impulses. Read full review

SEE ALL 12 REVIEWS

Write a Review

Mixed:

User Reviews

thejoker_5

Aug 21, 2012

Impressive use of cinema I must say. Nothing too visually shocking; rather, it will mentally shock you to your core. However, this movie was perfection, as far as movie making goes. I can't think of a thing I would change to make it better. Additionally, the lead actor is magnificent!Impressive use of cinema I must say. Nothing too visually shocking; rather, it will mentally shock you to your core. However, this movie was perfection, as far as movie making goes. I can't think of a thing I would change to make it better. Additionally, the lead actor is magnificent! He nailed it, so to speak (no pun intended). You really feel like you're there. You have the opportunity to spend a month (or some time period I can't remember) in the life of a mentally deranged person. Sad story, but very well made and worth your time. The thing is- this stuff happens in real life, so deal with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haneke (director) is a genius - try REC or Funny Games if you haven't already....… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RamonGuerrero

Dec 18, 2014

I really liked the way the story was told, from the placement of the disease to the journey of a mad man. This film contains amazing performances, especially by the young kid, and a great screenplay.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Inductivist

Jun 9, 2012

I liked that flat, matter-of-fact style juxtaposed with the horror of what was happening, but the director went a little too far with the boring scenes. You feel like someone might be making fun of you when they've got you paying to watch people put jigsaw puzzles together.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Balazs31

Jun 16, 2012

I expected more from this movie. It wasn`t bad, but when it started to get exciting it suddenly ended. They should have gone deeper into the issue of pedos...

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 4 REVIEWS