If you are a Michael Fassbender fan, but would much rather see him wear a large fake head during his films, then Frank was made for you. Magnolia Pictures recently acquired North American distribution rights to the unique Sundance comedy about an eccentric pop band led by Frank (Fassbender), a musical genius who wears the fake head (seen above).
The story is told through the eyes of Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), a musician who is invited to join the band and finds himself in over his head. Frank is a fictional tale but is loosely based on Frank Sidebottom, the musical persona of comedian Chris Sievey. Sievey created the Sidebottom character, who wore a large papier-mâché head that was later remade from fiberglass.
Frank features a supporting cast which includes Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart) as Frank’s sidekick Clara and Scoot McNairy (Killing Them Softly) as the band’s manager. The film is directed by Lenny Abrahamson (What Richard Did) from a script by Jon Ronson (The Men Who Stare at Goats) and Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy).
Frank was first screened at the Sundance Film Festival on January 17, and will be released in the UK in May 2014. No word yet on when it will be released in the U.S., but with the Magnolia pickup there is at least assurance that American filmgoers will have a chance to see the picture.
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