http://www.smithjournal.com.au/blogs/arts/frankFrank (ticket giveaway)Written by Jon Ronson (The Psychopath Test, The Men Who Stared at Goats) and based on his real-life experience playing synths in cult band The Freshies, Frank follows the eccentric, emoji-faced musician Frank Sidebottom (Michael Fassbender) as he tries to break into the U.S. music scene.
A loosely cobbled-together biopic, Frank takes its inspiration not just from the real-life mask-wearing Chris Sievey, who fronted '80s band The Freshies, but other musical oddities like Captain Beefheart and Daniel Johnston. Sidebottom’s something of an eccentric savant, capable of weaving off-kilter pop songs and charming his way into fandom in spite of himself.
He also wears his giant papier-mâché mask 24/7, which is as artistically bold as it is functionally problematic ("Would it help if I said my facial expressions out loud?"). A comedic melange that, like a lot of Ronson’s work, is stranger than fiction.
Frank opens Thursday 19 June and we have three double passes to give away. To enter, email your name and address here.Email to: giveaways@smithjournal.com.au