Frank (2014)

User Review

• 

  buffed_film_buff

  7 / 10

  
  This film is strangely beautiful, thematically. It's rather dark and unfortunate humor but also quirky and optimistic in its more light hearted moments. Either way, it's a stark contrast from Abrahamson's later creation with Room. Frank follows millennial Jon, a pretty average guy who works at some average company who likes music who's music skill is pretty average. One day when a band's (who I will not even attempt to spell the name of) current pianist attempts to drown himself in the ocean, Jon is in the right place at the right time and is recruited to be in this rather strange group of mentally ill or at least disturbed musicians, the lead singer being a man who at all times wears a faux plastic head, focused on creating unique music. I'm a huge fan of Domnhall Gleason, who plays Jon, and his acting and the evolution of his peppy, innocent soul to one of dread and exhaustion was very well executed. I'm not even entirely sure how to describe Michael Fassbender's performance, but I'll use the word magnetic. He conveyed so much emotion even while wearing a fake head- it was quite unbelievable. The whole movie has that "on the edge of a breakthrough" feel that just nearly feels as though something powerful is going to happen, and then it returns to the sad, tired feeling that it retains. I feel as though this works to both it's benefit and it's downfall, as you never really get to the point where you strongly connect or understand any of the characters but you still are putting your face to the glass, hoping that you may feel an accord. The cinematography and the visuals work to a superb effect and the script are quite alright, but it never really hit that "great film" Mark that I feel it could've achieved. Still an interesting watch with a compelling narrative.
  

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