Frank – Review by Frances Winston

Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy

In cinemas May 9th

Given that he frequently makes “world’s sexiest” lists Michael Fassbender made a brave choice taking this movie role which sees him wear papier-mâché mask for most of the film. Loosely based on the life of Chris Sivey, better known as comic persona Frank Sidebottom, we only get a glimpse of Michael for a few minutes near the end. Other than that we are reliant on his physicality to convey what the character is feeling and he has admitted that he drew on the theatrical tradition of Commedia del Arte to play the role.

Frank is the singer with alternative band Soronprfbs. A chance encounter with aspiring musician Jon (Gleeson) sees him join the band and they travel to Ireland to record an album. Frank is a perfectionist and refuses to record a note until they have fully explored it and Jon starts posting videos of his process on YouTube. When it garners the attention of the organisers of the South by Southwest festival the band hit the road to play for their newly acquired fans. However Frank has far more issues than Jon had ever imagined and the pressure of the booking leads to an implosion in the band just as they are on the cusp of breaking through.

All of Abrahamson’s previous films have won IFTAs so there is definitely pressure on him to deliver and this is probably his most ambitious offering to date. Gleeson justifies his rising star status as Jon and Gyllenhall is fabulously edgy as band member Clara. This is Fassbender’s film though and despite the mask you really engage with him. All of the characters are multi layered and well developed and the script is witty and bonkers in equal measure.

Underneath all the humour there are some very serious mental health themes but this never bogs down or burdens the film and only really hits you when you analyse it afterwards. Touching, funny, complex and affecting this is Abrahamson’s best work to date and definitely deserves a gong or two.