Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Michael Blu-ray Movie Review

A fascinating black-and-white love triangle drama by director Carl Theodor Dreyer (The Passion of Joan of Arc)

Michael (1924) (otherwise known as Hearts Desire) is a classic silent film produced in Germany. The film is based upon the acclaimed novel by Herman Bang. Produced by Erich Pommer (Spies, The Last Laugh), Michael is highlighted by the magnificent performances by actors Walter Slezak and Benjamin Christensen.

The story centers on Eugène Michael (Walter Slezak). An assistant to the acclaimed painter Claude Zoret (Benjamin Christensen), Michael is a much younger man with an eye on the painter that can suggest a romance between the two men. The early German silent film is one of the first films to explore homosexuality between men as the story explores how Michael and Claude fall in love, eventually living together as a couple.

Princess Fürstin Lucia Zamikoff (Nora Gregor) is a much younger woman who comes to the estate of the wealthy Zoret in the hopes of seducing the painter Claude Zoret but instead finds that Michael is easier to become involved with. The unexpected romance leads to behind the scenes drama as the love triangle unfolds and ultimately affects the work of Zoret. Can the paintings of Claude Zoret survive the dramatic triangle of lust and love?

Behind the Canvas

The black and white cinematography by Karl Freund (Key Largo, Metropolis) and Rudolph Maté (Foreign Correspondent, Gilda) is one of the most impressive elements of the film. It's almost impossible to believe that Michael is an almost 100 years old production. The visuals are quite surprisingly complex for an early black and white silent production. As the film utilized two of the greatest silent era cinematographers, it's no wonder the end result is as impressive as it is. The vivid photography resembles art in motion.

There are a few other interesting production elements of note: the costumes and art direction by Hugo Häring are similarly impressive and have a number of compelling aspects. The score by Pierre Oser (Distant Memory, Prem Sanyas) is likewise a gem which gives some new life and vitality to the presentation. For a classic silent film, music plays a central role in the success of the film. The impressive compositions from the score help the film to excel at raising the dramatic stakes.

The screenplay by Thea von Harbou (Metropolis, M) and director Carl Theodor Dreyer (The Passion of Joan of Arc, Ordet) is a fascinating one. The script is particularly unique in that is pushes the envelope for gay cinema. Much to my surprise, Michael is an early film to discuss the topic of homosexuality. Though the film might not present the topic in as overt a way as a modern film would, the clear relationship between Michael and Claude Zoret is a the forefront of the plot.

The fact that the storytelling of Michael revolves around the love triangle and how it causes conflict between Michael and Claude is surprising. No American or British films were as frank at the time-period, but in Germany it was a topic that was explored in film with more honesty. Michael is an interesting and effective cinematic exploration of homosexuality. While not a favorite, the film deserves recognition for its forward-thinking approach.

Michael Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Eureka Entertainment as part of the prestigious Masters of Cinema line, Michael has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The print is largely in good condition overall. Startlingly crisp when one considers the age of the film and its source elements. The print does have some minor telecine wobble on occasion but it is not too noticeable for most of the presentation. There are occasional scratches on the print as well as minor signs of damage but nothing too significant to take away one from being able to enjoy the film. The stunning black and white photography looks exceptional overall. A quality scan well rendered by Eureka.

Michael Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The silent feature includes a music-only audio track. The lossless uncompressed PCM 2.0 track is a solid presentation of the score composed by Pierre Oser. The entire track sounds remarkably crisp, detailed, and clear. The soundstage is beautiful and allows room for the instrumentation to shine from scene to scene. Throughout the entire audio track, the lossless 24 bit depth score breathes new life into the film. Subtitles are equally excellent (providing English translations for the German intertitles).

Michael Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Dreyer Scholar Casper Tybjerg

David Cairns Video Essay (HD, 17:24) features voice-over narration over clips from the feature film presentation as the journalist discusses the significance of the film and it's thematic importance – including exploration of the film's themes of repressed homosexuality and the overt themes it interwove into the plot.

Dreyer Interview (SD, 26:56) is an audio-based interview featuring Dreyer discussing his career. The interview is interspersed with still photography of the filmmaker and his films. Dreyer discusses the significance of directing, his unique approach to storytelling, and the tone he creates for his works. Surprisingly, the audio doesn't focus on Michael but rather on other creations by Dreyer.

Michael Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A surprisingly frank exploration of homosexuality given the time-period in which the film was produced, Michael (1924) is an excellent silent-era German production by acclaimed director Carl Theodor Dreyer (The Passion of Joan of Arc). Featuring impressive performances, remarkable black and white cinematography, and a worthy score by Pierre Oser, Michael has received an impressive high-definition presentation and a selection of engaging supplemental features. The release comes recommended for fans of the film.