By Sarah Ulanowicz

Casting Michael Fassbender in a role that covers his face with a huge, fake, fiberglass one seems like a huge waste of something very nice to look at. However, that's exactly what director Lenny Abrahmson
decides to do with the title character, Frank, and with it brings many heartwarming aspect that make Frank an incredible film. Running the risk of seeming too quirky for its own good, Abrahmson manages to steer clear from that thin line and create a story that is deeply sincere. Frank doesn't disappoint with its ability to captivate; it's a thoroughly engaging film with its wry humor and Franks genuine love for inspiration in the smallest things. The film is an excellent example of making art for
one own enjoyment and not for popularity, how damaged people can find unity in other another, and how inspiration doesn't have to come from a life of pain.

The story starts with and follows Jon, a young man with a passion for music that can't seem to find any original inspiration. This empathetic creative void is stark compared to that of the avant-grade band
"Soronprfbs", lead by the man in the fake head, Frank. Jon is starkly out of his comfort zone when he, by chance, joins Frank's band and finds himself living in a secluded cabin in Ireland where they begin
recording their first album. 

Fassbender's performance as Frank is one of the warmest characters I've seen in cinema; he manages to make a character without a real face lovable. Franks openness is authentic; when he expresses gratitude on screen, under his mask, it's not questioned. The audience finds themselves becoming just as enamored with Frank as the characters on screen. Maggie Gyllenhaal's hostile and terrifying Clara may be potentially holding Frank back at times, but only because she doesn't want his virtues to become tainted. Don, played by Scoot McNairy, befriended Frank in a mental hospital and still sees him as the greatest person he's ever met. Even the stoically French drummer and guitarist show concern for Frank when it seems like he's become overwhelmed. The characters are a family that emotionally care about one another, all brought together by Franks passion for the art he wants to reate.Abrahmson ties Frank's sincerity with the general sincerity of the plot. Underneath the humor there is a sense of fragile melancholy that takes a comment not only on musical inspiration, but also the human consciousness. Frank is weirdly touching by being amusing and dark, with that perfect mix of relatable sadness. Even with my high expectations for Frank, it was still utterly surprising. Preserving its own unique level of charm, Frank is an original film that has genuine wisdom for those questioning the nature of creativity