Funniest film of the year, easily.

Rating: 8/10 (1 September 2014)

Frank had me in its first five minutes. As Jon, played by rising star Domhnall Gleeson, tries to write his very own song, it's either terrible or too derivative of classics. Although the film breaks the rules with its use of voice over and so on, it's all the better for being more free flowing, and it's incredibly hilarious with its sharp wit. It has the deadpan humour you often see in British TV, but it works here and is thoroughly welcome. I had my doubts about Gleeson, but he instantly won me over with his charm, though the characters do call him out when he's annoying. Unfortunately supporting characters are more like moods than anything, even with Maggie Gyllenhaal and the always awesome Scoot McNairy, hardly scratching their surface.
However, the film's eponymous figure, is not such a gimmick and Michael Fassbender's Frank is a true delight worthy of the praise the film gives him. He may have a mask over his head for the majority of the film but he still as an endearing energy about him. Fassbender is funnier than he's ever been but he also brings in a dramatic weight, especially in the third act. Above all, the appeal is in its portrayal of the pursuit making artistic yet likable music, showing it as something to be crafted over a year, ala Captain Beefheart, or it could be something spontaneous and irreverent. The film makes both work but it's clear there's not a simple answer to what is an objective good song, though the film has a wonderful naive score that had me grinning from ear to ear. The only thing that held it back is when it rushes or gets too silly but otherwise Frank is a joy.
8/10