189) Frank (2014)
Jon, a young wanna-be musician, discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew when he joins an eccentric pop band led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank.
8/10 – When attending the Sundance Film Festival in London earlier this year, this film was the opening film. I opted to go and see The Trip to Italy instead, not through choice (although I would have done anyway), but because Frank had sold out. There was a huge hype about this film, about Fassbender playing a musician and yet you never see his face. I was conscious that perhaps it would just boil this film down into a single gimmick, rely heavily on the mask and just see what crazy situations it would get them into.
Much to my surprise, what I got instead was a weird, likable and slightly dark film. It addressed perceptions of fame, artistic creativity and band relationships all while behind the big fake head. Very strange how it managed to create touching moments, without any facial expressions from Frank, and still while the oddest humour was still being heaped on. Frank is a difficult character to describe too, his entire way of thinking, the insight into his interpretation of life and tasks is just so far removed from a normal way of thinking it verges on the absurd. It’s what makes it so enjoyable, and Frank such a likable character that is easy to empathise with.
I’d watch it again, and knowing what I know now, I’d probably enjoy it more.
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