Frank
was selected to open the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. The film went on to garner rave reviews when it was released later in the year in the UK, US and internationally, winning a special award for creativity at Dinard Film Festival.
Frank is a comedy about a young wannabe musician, Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), who discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew when he joins a band of eccentric pop musicians led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank (Michael Fassbender) and his terrifying sidekick, Clara (Maggie Gyllenhall). Frank’s uniqueness lies in the fact that he makes music purely for the joy of creating. And in the fact that he wears a giant fake head.
After a rocky start, Jon ingratiates himself with the band, and they retreat to a cabin in the woods to record an album. As his influence waxes, creative tensions mount and the band’s entire raison d’être is called into question.
Written by Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan and directed by Lenny Abrahamson. Scored by Stephen Rennicks.
Starring Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy and Domhnall Gleeson.
Reviews:
“With the soulful Gleeson and a sweetly menacing Fassbender (under a giant helmet-head) at its center, the movie never loses its acerbic edge or its oversize heart.” – Kyle Anderson
“Beneath those puppet-headed antics, and true to its title, Frank is improbably, disarmingly honest.” – Ann Hornaday
“A loving and hilarious tribute to outsider music.” – Chris Martins
“Really, really funny.” – Amy Taubin
“Totally fucking unique, most wacky and genuine film since Napoleon Dynamite.”
“Wacky, absurd, but fun musical mayhem. Goes to some crazy places, including SXSW, but uniquely enjoyable. Nothing like it.”
-Alex Billington
“a weird and wonderful musical comedy” – Peter Debug
“An undeniably trippy ride from start to finish.”
“Bonkers in every conceivable way.”
-Matt Risley
“off-beat and punk-spirited” 4 Stars
-Amber Wilkinson
