MICHAEL

For years the famous painter Claude Zoret has been inspired by the youth and beauty of Michael, his favourite model, whom he regards now as his son and heir. But when the russian Princess Zamikow enters the picture, Michael turns his back on his mentor, and Zoret's tragic downfall begins, leading to a demise in loneliness. Zoret, however, still blesses the traitor: «Now I can die in peace, because I have seen a great love.» Dreyers «chamber play», known mostly for its treatment of a «gay» relationship, may easily be the most underrated silent movie. Still fresh and not the least bit dated it deftly explores the themes of power and desire, the fragility of love and identity.