MovieChat Forums > Frank (2014) Discussion > Tribute or exploitation?

Tribute or exploitation?

posted 12 years ago by aelthric
15 replies | jump to latest

The story "Frank" is clearly based on the life of "Chris Sievey" whose alter ego was the character "Frank Sidebottom" (Feel free to google it) and who died 21st June 2010 after a short battle with cancer and who died peniless though that is no indication of Chris Sievey's comedic genius...

I would like to believe that Jon Ronson who co-wrote the screenplay for this did so as a tribute to Chris Sievey and not a cynical exploitation...

It should be said that to save Chris Sievey the indignity of a paupers burial Jon Ronson (And others) did back a campaign to raise money for Chris's funeral which raised £21,631.55

One of my fond memories was seeing the ever awkward but uncrushable Frank Sidebottom (Chris Sievey) on the tv...

RIP Chris

[–] pablo-taylor 12 years ago

I'd say this is absolutely being done out of love and affection, Ronson's a seemingly decent guy and has written and spoken about Sievey (with warmth and fond humour) on many occasions.

Along with the Michael Winterbottom/Steve Coogan Paul Raymond biopic, this is one my most anticipated films at the moment.

[–] Obbykins 12 years ago

As my brother (a huge Sidebottom fan) pointed out, Chris Sievey did actually do really well out of his career as Frank, he died penniless as a result of not investing or saving any of the proceeds...he led a full life, but didn't leave enough for a funeral. Most people are in that position these days, he just didn't prepare for it.

It's not exploitation, Jon Ronson *did* write it as a tribute to Frank.

- We could be men with ven!

[–] aqqs10 11 years ago

A statue to Frank has been unveiled in his home town:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24601038

As someone said, you either got his humour or you didn't. I didn't.

[–] speculator-1 11 years ago

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24601038

---
"Blood of Thrones" - proceeds to Action Cancer:
http://www.orb-store.com/blood.htm

[–] corcodoa 11 years ago

there's a pretty well told story about how the idea to make the movie came to life in here:
https://soundcloud.com/kcrw/the-organist-episode-15-the-frank-story

[–] CrispSandwich 11 years ago

Loved Frank and his surreal antics on tv and reading him in oink comic (does anyone remember it?). I would like to think this has been made with nothing but love for the man and his work. Terrible how he spent his final years.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] Devo-McDuff 10 years ago

Personally, as a huge Frank Sidebottom fan I found it quite insulting. Why use his name and unique image in a story (and a 2nd rate cliché-ridden one at that) that had nothing to do with him or what he was about? I found it distasteful to his memory.

Chris Sievey is a man worthy of a biopic. Luckily there is a documentary on the way http://www.beingfrankmovie.com/info.html

http://helloyouitsme.com

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] Bruno-Diaz 10 years ago

I can't remember the exact quote but during the credits, there was a message along the lines of "Dedicated to Chris Sievey, whose big head and outsider spirit inspired us all. 1955 - 2010".

"God, when I meet you, I'm gonna be pretty. If it's the last thing I do. I'll be a beautiful angel."

[–] 10 years ago

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