Year: 2014
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Writers: Jon Ronson, Peter Straughan
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall
Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal
This
movie follows the journey of Jon, portrayed
by Domhnall Gleeson, who is searching for his place on the music scene and in life
in general, when he happens to play keyboards for Frank’s band with unpronounceable
name “The Soronprfbs”. He’s fascinated with Frank, not just because of the fake
head he’s wearing all the time, but his musical talent and mysterious personality.
Frank Sidebottom, Captain Beefheart,
Daniel Johnston are among the musicians that inspired the movie. However, you
can enjoy the story even you haven’t heard these names. Jon Ronson, one of the
co-writers was actually part of Frank Sidebottom’s band, but the screenplay,
initially based on his
publications, later became an absolutely fictional story. And Peter
Straughan is already an established name with Oscar nomination for “Tinker
Tailor Soldier Spy”.
In
the trailer and promotional clips for the movie, we have heard probably the
weirdest parts of the score, but in fact, the soundtrack provides some really
exceptional, even profound songs. The fictional band in the movie does feel
like a real band and the songs (written by Stephen Rennicks) have a fresh,
unique sound. What makes it feel so organic and special is also the fact that
it was recorded on the set by the actors (the drummer is actually a pro
musician –Carla Azar from the band Autolux).
The
movie is original and unpredictable, without it seeming forced or simply
random. It really gives you the sense that everything on the screen happens
organically and that you are observing the creative process of this band
consisting of unique, intriguing characters. The little narration in the movie
is given to us via social media posts, which is not simply convenient, but
questions how we use these tools to represent ourselves and particularly how it
affects the creative process.
“Frank”
plays with our preconceptions about musical genius and madness, it questions what
is to be truly unique and creative, rather than simply mediocre (as one of the characters
puts it “There can be only one Frank”), how do you stay true to yourself and
your music etc. The movie beautifully draws both intense and quiet scenes that
can be really profound at times and constantly increases our interest in the
characters.
The
directorial work is outstanding; all performances are absolutely great,
starting from Maggie Gyllenhaal’s extreme and magnetic role to Michael
Fassbender’s undeniable talent as comedian, who also manages to create a moving
and intriguing character without even showing his face.
“Frank”
is a genuinely funny piece of cinema with a lot of laughs along the way, but
it’s not only a comedy, it maneuvers between emotions effortlessly, mixing humor
and drama to create the engrossing atmosphere of a great tragicomedy. By the
end “Frank” becomes an absorbing and
poignant piece of movie-making. It is not easy to compare it to anything else
and it’s full of energy, wit and wonder. It deserves 5 full Kubricks.
7.0
on IMDB - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605717/
6,8
from users and 75 from critics on MetaCritic - http://www.metacritic.com/movie/frank
Trailer:
And one of
my favorite songs from the movie (I guess it may be considered a minor spoiler):
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