'Frank' A Review

Frank is a dark comedy about avante-garde band Soronprfbs and its papier-mâché head sporting frontman Frank. The film follows Jon a boring English would-be musician as he falls in with the band as keyboardist, becomes fascinated by the lead singer and creative genius Frank, and records an album in a secluded cabin in the woods. The film culminates in an ill-advised SXSW engagement.

Despite the films title the lead in the film is Jon played by Domhnall Gleeson. The straight man we identify with as he navigates the world of his eccentric bandmates. As the story progress we discover Jon is not only untalented by somewhat fame obsessed, constantly utilizing social media to garner any attention he can for Frank and the band. Gleeson walks a fine line between good-guy and sleeze, we never quite like him but we never quite hate him. Michael Fassbender as the masked Frank utilizes his body to graceful effect conveying this music-crazed-genius who has issues with reality. Scoot McNairy and Maggie Gyllenhaal put in good performances however there is something lacking within the whole dynamic of the band- time. The film montages through any possible character development or relationships between the band members, this isn't a great detractor but leaves a potentially great film lacking depth.

Tonally Frank is deliberately discordant, much like the music composed by the fictitious band, it is equal parts enjoyable, mystifying, and unpleasant. The film plays into the underdog convention but never actually adheres to it, there are some odd yet pleasing subversion of expectations throughout. The journey of Jon, Frank, and the band isn't necessarily narratively satisfying, the band doesn't "make it", there are no major discoveries, what little growth there is happens in the last minutes of the film and even then, in regards to Jon, its not quite believable. But, like the songs within, Frank offers originality and artistry, gives a glimpse at the creative mind and its relationship with mental illness. Offers a look at a couple truly bizarre individuals solely dedicated to making music.

Disconcerting, inspiring, and maybe ultimately unsatisfying. Frank is a darkly comic look at creative genius, mental-illness, and the desire for fame.

See It.