Review of Frank (2014) by Spencer S — 21 Jan 2015
This quirky little gem looks at the subject of being an outsider in a world that demands progress, perfection, and its geniuses to be sane. Wannabe musician Jon (Gleeson) joins an alternative musical group headed by Frank, (Fassbender) who wears a large doll head and has an obvious mental disorder.
Several other bandmates are also inclined to mental fits, including Don, who sometimes tries to throw himself into the sea. The film itself is very mellow, infusing really strange yet enlivening music into scenes that are often quiet and have bereft, disengaged characters.
Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a disaffected young woman named Clara who gives Jon and Frank perspective on their choices, and also gives a performance that may be the best of her career. Fassbender is just the right balance between kooky artist and alienated outsider.
In the end the message is pretty clear: if you want to be different, that's okay, but sometimes choosing that over reality will hurt more than help you. The middle drags quite a bit, but otherwise I found this entertaining and just the right amount of quirky.
This review of Frank (2014) was written by Spencer S on 21 Jan 2015.
Frank has generally received positive reviews.
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