Jon, a hopeful songwriter, joins an odd band led by Frank, a singer who never takes off his giant papier-mache head. They spend a year in an Irish cabin recording an album. The film is funny and then sad, and worth watching for how it treats a mask as a real face.
At a glance
Frank is a 2014 comedy, drama and music film directed by Lenny Abrahamson. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (2 narrative, 1 psychology and 1 sound), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, Shoot the Piano Player uses several of the same techniques.
Giving a film 2 very different tones, such as comedy and tragedy, often split into halves. Each makes the other hit harder, and the film never blends them into 1.
How this film uses it
The first half is a quirky comedy about a band with strange habits. The second half turns into a sad story about mental illness. Each tone makes the other hit harder.
Where to see it
The Kansas visit: Jon finds Frank's family home and his parents explain his long history of mental illness.
Showing a character's sense of self being built, borrowed or stripped away by pressure, roles or the group. Who they are shifts with what they wear, say or join.
How this film uses it
Frank's mask is his identity. Michael Fassbender plays him under it, and Jon wants to see his real face. When the mask breaks after a car hits Frank, he runs away before Jon can see him.
Where to see it
The motel: Jon tries to unmask Frank, who runs outside, is hit by a car and breaks the mask.
Letting characters perform the songs on screen, so the music comes from their own hands and voices. You hear the song and the performer's nerves at the same time.
How this film uses it
The cast performed the band's music live during filming, with Stephen Rennicks as music director. The songs are strange and rough, and you hear the actors' nerves in them.
Where to see it
The reunion: The original band joins Frank for a song in a dive bar.
Holding back the main character's origin and motive until the final scene. The gap creates dread and fascination through the whole film, and the answer is the last thing you learn.
How this film uses it
The film hides Frank's face and past almost to the end. Only in Kansas does Jon see his scarred face and hear that he has always been musically gifted and mentally ill. The wait gives the final scene its force.
Where to see it
Bluff City, Kansas: Jon tracks Frank to his parents' house and sees his face for the first time.
Questions
Keep watching
Same director
Same era
