Review of Frank (2014) by Alice S — 14 May 2015
A fledgling songwriter befriends an EDM/sound effect band led by a disturbed yet brilliant man who is never seen without a papier-mache head on. There's that peculiar Irish humor and that awkward Irish sweetness, but the story moves like a juggernaut without motivation. Because the "music" is so weird yet clearly "genius" in the world of the movie, it's unclear whether Jon's adulation and plans for fame are genuine or sinister (perhaps with the intention of outing the group as a freakshow).
Frank's own weirdness or genius also clouds his trust in and encouragement of Jon. Does he truly want fame, or is he just yanking Jon's chain for yuks? If we are to take both these characters at face value, then it's just weak characterization. Jon must have lived under a cyber-rock to believe tens of thousands of views on YouTube is worth a damn, and Frank is much too offbeat an oddball to actually crave outside validation. Then to have his idiosyncracy boiled down to mental illness is just another lazy resolution.
This review of Frank (2014) was written by Alice S on 14 May 2015.
Frank has generally received positive reviews.
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