I watched FRANK several days ago, and it’s still sticking with me. It’s an interesting film and worth a watch (I caught it on Netflix here in Canada). The film tells the story of Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), a wannabe musician who stumbles into membership with an avant-garde band led by the mysterious and strange Frank (Michael Fassbender), who wears a large fake head at all times.
Though Frank has a soft spot for Jon, the other musicians don’t like him. They see him as a mechanic when it comes to music, with no innate talent. In particular, Clara (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a real hate on for him. Her hostility is hard to take, but her wisdom is ultimately proven.
Jon tries to fit into the band and studies Frank, whom he considers a musical genius, to try to figure out his formula for creativity.
Jon has been filming and posting the band’s strange labors to produce a new album, which results in a small cult following. The band gets invited to perform at a big music show in Texas. As Frank gets nervous, Jon pressures him to soldier on, promising fame, while Clara tries to get Frank to leave to protect his fragile sanity.
I enjoyed the movie. The band is wonderfully (but authentically) clannish, and with Jon’s conventional sensibility about music and performing, he’ll never fit in. Frank is played perfectly by Fassbender, a truly enigmatic and interesting character. The lesson is powerful–that there is no formula for genius, you’re either born with it or you aren’t.
The script was written by Jon Ronson, who wrote THEM and THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS (interesting nonfiction books, worth a read).
Check out this little gem if you can. Here’s the trailer:
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