What on earth did I just watch?

Rating: 3/10 (1 September 2016)

I consider myself a fan of Irish director Lenny Abrahamson on the strength of having watched his fine little dramas ADAM AND PAUL and WHAT RICHARD DID. Sadly, FRANK is my third effort from this director and the first one to leave me completely cold. It's a comedy following the trials and tribulations of a low-rent band who are presided over by lead singer Frank, played by Michael Fassbender in a giant head obviously modelled on one-time Northern comedian Frank Sidebottom.
This is a very odd film. Quirky, in fact. I'm all for quirkiness, but somehow it doesn't work here. As a comedy, it's never funny, and as a film it's a complete failure. I found that the viewer was expected to watch a bunch of unlikeable characters parading around, arguing, occasionally having sex, and going through various trials. To be honest, I couldn't give a jot for any of them. Even the music isn't very good.
Domhnall Gleeson is the erstwhile lead, a man who acts as the viewer's introduction into a surreal world. As with the other films I've seen him in, he's dreadful; cold and wooden throughout, always concentrating on acting rather than giving a naturalistic performance. His father he isn't. Michael Fassbender is much better, despite being hidden behind the mask; the assured professional, he never disappoints. Sadly, the movie is also saddled with Maggie Gyllenhaal, completely out of place and playing the most hateful character ever. FRANK bored me to tears and I hate the thought of sitting through it again.