ACFNY RECOMMENDS | FILM SCREENINGS MICHAEL WEDNESDAY FEB 15 - TUESDAY FEB 28 |
MICHAEL
Written and Directed by Markus Schleinzer, 2011
Drama, 96 minutes, Austria
In German with English subtitles
With: Michael Fuith, David Rauchenberger, Gisela Sacher
MICHAEL was officially selected for competition in the 2011 Cannes International Film Festival.
In his debut film, Austrian director Markus Schleinzer depicts the last five months of the involuntary cohabitation of the 10-year old Wolfgang and the 35-year old Michael. An outsider, but successful in his job as insurance clerk and always friendly, Michael is an unimposing character.
Nobody knows that this man, who owns a town house in a small residential area just outside of Vienna, has built a soundproof dungeon in his cellar, where he keeps little Wolfgang captured. The boy has to live beastlike and suffers daily sexual and mental abuse by his tormentor.
So it is hard to believe that there exists also a seeming normality at this house: together Wolfgang and Michael visit the Zoo, watch TV and celebrate Christmas. But the days of Michael’s dream world are numbered…
VENUE
Film Forum
209 West Houston St.
New York, NY 10014
www.filmforum.org
212-727-8110
For screening times and tickets, please visit www.filmforum.org
