Critical Writings and Interviews on World Fringe Cinema
and Other Diversions
Michael writes on genre films and their creators, unconventional historical figures and the occult. He is a film studies graduate from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, which included an extended internship at The Film Study Center of the Museum of Modern Art.
Michael’s critical writings and interviews have championed world fringe cinema for more than three decades, appearing in such publications internationally as: Delirium, Filmfax, Scarlet Street, World of Fandom, Samhain, Film Score Monthly, Dreadful Pleasures, Secret, 10 Percent, and Phase, among others.
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Having researched, practiced, taught and written about the Tarot for many years, Michael is the author of Heart Vision: Tarot's Inner Path.
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Two pseudonymously penned collections of erotica received international acclaim and were published in several editions.
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Michael is also the creator of various audio-projects.
With author and artist Scot D. Ryersson, Michael is co-author of the multi-award winning and worldwide critically acclaimed biography Infinite Variety: The Life and Legend of the Marchesa Casati and a one-woman play based upon it; the decadent fairy tale The Princess of Wax: A Cruel Tale; and the art book The Marchesa Casati: Portraits of a Muse which is also the recipient of multiple awards. They co-edited Spectral Haunts and Phantom Lovers, an audiobook collection of British ghost stories.
Based in the United States, Michael is Co-Director of The Casati Archives—the world's only data source and image bank devoted to preserving the artistic and cultural legacy of the Marchesa Luisa Casati (1881-1957). Michael and Scot founded it in 1999 upon the original publication of Infinite Variety. It is the result of ongoing international research and collecting. In addition to a wealth of original materials, books and ephemera, this ever-growing library contains artwork reproductions and photographs of and inspired by the Marchesa Casati. The Casati Archives provides images and information for writers, researchers and publishers worldwide, as well as consulting services for the world’s leading museums, galleries, and private collectors.​
Photo by Scot D. Ryersson
Villa Kérylos
The main shooting location of Jess Franco's film Doriana Gray (1975) which inspired the ambiance and design of this site is the historic Villa Kérylos located along the French Riviera.
Related Education, Experience, Accreditations & Awards
•Co-Founder & Co-Director, The Casati Archives (1999-Present)
•Co-Creator & Co-Administrator, marchesacasati.com (1999-Present)
•I.B.C. 2002 Selection as U.S.A. World Ambassador to the International Congress on the Arts (Cambridge, U.K.)
•I.B.C. 21st Century 2001 Award in Biographical Writing (Cambridge, U.K.)
•Graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts—Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, with a concentration in Film Analysis and Criticism; and New York University’s College of Arts and Science—Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (1985)
•The Film Study Center at the Museum of Modern Art (New York)—Extended Internship in Archival Research (1985)
Site Images
This site's photographic images showing details of the Villa Kérylos are from the film Doriana Gray (1975). Their inclusion here should be allowable under "fair use". Please make contact for any related issues. Doriana Gray © Elite Film AG (Zürich)