Michael Without Apology

The next day, Michael makes plans with Madeleine to see her home. The house is impressive, and Michael agrees that it’d be perfect for the film. Madeleine explains that she is 30 years old and doing a memoir-writing class because she wants “to get [her] life down into some kind of coherent story” (85). Their conversation makes Michael wonder if she’s interested in him. She admits that she is but insists that if they were to become intimate, it’d only be a fling. Then, they have sex.

Michael reflects on his first sexual experience while lying in bed next to Madeleine. He opens up about the firework, foster care, his adoption, his parents’ abandonment, and his scars. Madeleine asks if Michael associated his parents’ abandonment with his physical injuries, which he’d never thought of before.

Before film class, Mr. Dunning asks Michael why he’s in such a good mood. Michael admits that he’s seeing an older woman.

Michael and Madeleine arrange for Rex Aronfeld’s interview. Rex immediately discerns that Michael and Madeleine are intimate. He then tells his story for the camera. He explains that he is Jewish and competed in the 1936 Olympics in Germany. The greatest regret of his life is shaking Hitler’s hand instead of spitting on him. He muses on his relationship with his late wife, too. He then describes his pride in his athletic body and how his body has changed as he’s aged. At times, he admits, aging makes him feel like he is all alone.

That evening, Michael and Madeleine have sex and lie together talking. They discuss Rex’s interview before Michael invites Madeleine to dinner with his parents. She declines, reminding him that people don’t meet each other’s parents in a fling.

Mr. Dunning comes to Madeleine’s for his interview. Madeleine goes to take a nap because of a headache, and Michael and Dunning chat about her before the interview. Michael admits that he’s falling in love with her, but Madeleine only wants a fling. He then realizes that he accidentally taped their conversation.

Mr. Dunning tells his story for the camera. He was 13 when he got into a car accident with his family. His parents and sister died, and he was the only survivor and suffered serious scars. He then went to live with his aunts in Ohio. Life was difficult after losing his family and suffering such bad injuries, but his aunt cared for him.

Michael remarks on Mr. Dunning’s bravery and strength, admitting that he wants to be like him. Dunning reminds him of how challenging it is to be human.

After Mr. Dunning leaves, Michael and Madeleine chat about their relationship. She insists that their relationship will end no matter what; Michael doesn’t reply and tries to hide his sadness.

Over dinner, Michael tells his parents that he has a girlfriend but that he doesn’t want them to meet her. Although Judy is upset, Charles defends Michael.

Freddie arrives for his interview, admitting that his real name is Tim. He is hesitant to begin filming because Michael is too attractive and Madeleine is present. After Madeleine steps out, Michael shows Tim his scars. Tim sits for his interview and explains the lifelong difficulties he’s faced because of his skinny physique. He describes how unkind people have always been to him and how hard it’s been to date. He and Michael discuss the possible reach and influence of Michael’s film.

Next, Michael interviews Tanya. She explains more about her fraught relationship with her body. She has had five children but feels as if the world devalues mothers’ bodies.

That evening, Madeleine invites Michael to stay for dinner and to spend the night with her. He calls home, and Charles gives him permission to stay. After eating, Madeleine agrees to be interviewed. She describes her cancer journey, including her debate over whether or not to have reconstructive surgery after her mastectomy. She then reveals that she only has “about a year” left to live (124). Michael is so shocked that he excuses himself to the bathroom to vomit. Madeleine apologizes for being cryptic, having believed that Michael understood her situation.

Afterward, Michael realizes that he never turned off the camera and got their whole conversation on tape. Finally, they return to the formal interview.

Madeleine conducts Michael’s interview for the documentary. Michael details what happened to him when he was seven. He describes his time at the hospital and his transition to foster care. Finally, he reveals his body for the camera. Suddenly, he bursts into tears. He speaks directly about his anger and frustration. Afterward, Madeleine convinces him to keep these sequences in the film.

After he completes the filming, Michael individually asks Mr. Dunning and Madeleine if he should include his and Madeleine’s intimate conversation in the final project. They both think he should. At the end of his conversation with Madeleine, she professes her love for Michael.