Frank

Michael Fassbender stars as the title character in this quirky comedy—exploring the fragility of both art and the human psyche—that is often quite funny, but also features an underlying layer of deep melancholy. Enigmatic Frank is the lead singer-songwriter of an avant-garde British band whose highly unorthodox songs are pretty much designed to clear any venue. The group's oddity is accentuated by the fact that Frank sports a giant mask—a papier-mâché head (not unlike the one in the Jack in the Box commercials) that he doesn't just wear onstage, but constantly (even when he's in the shower). Frank's story is told from the perspective of Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), a nerdy young man recruited as a keyboardist, who goes with the band on an extended retreat to record an album. Obsessed with securing proper recognition for Frank, Jon manages to get the group a slot at the SXSW festival, but the trip to America leads to a crisis that not only unmasks Frank but also threatens to destroy him. A delightfully unusual tale, this is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Lenny Abrahamson, star Domhnall Gleeson, and composer Stephen Rennicks, an interview with Abrahamson (19 min.), deleted scenes (11 min.), the production featurettes “Behind the Sounds” (11 min.), “Meet the Band” (5 min.), and “What is the Name of The Band?” (3 min.), an AXS TV segment (3 min.), a “Behind the Mask” segment (2 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an enjoyably oddball film.] (F. Swietek)