Movie Breakdown: Uncle Frank
Pre-Screening Stance:
Alan Ball created Six Feet Under, which is one of the best shows of all-time, so I will always have some level of interest in anything that’s written/directed by him. With that being said, I do actually think that Uncle Frank looks like it’ll be a good one. Also, the last film I saw was the oh-so-very bad Hillbilly Elegy, and things can only go up from there.
Post-Screening Ramble:
Uncle Frank is a winner from writer/director Alan Ball. The 70s-based film largely operates from the perspective of Beth (Sophia Lillis), a young woman from Creekville, South Carolina who has just moved to New York City for college. It’s an entirely new experience for her, but she’s not on her own, her Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) – the only member of her family that lives outside of her hometown – is around to provide guidance. One day, Beth finds out two things – 1) Uncle Frank is actually gay. 2) Her grandfather/his father (Stephen Root) has passed away. The latter sends the pair on a road-trip home and brings about changes for all.
There’s plenty of drama to go around in Uncle Frank, but thankfully, it’s not an immensely heavy film. Ball does well to drop in plenty of funny and heartwarming bits, plus he paces the movie just right so when the moments that aim to place a tear in your eye do come around, they feel earned. As for the performances, they’re pretty great across the board, with Bettany being the biggest standout. Frank is everything all bottled up – he’s happy and sad, he’s carefree and very reserved, he has escaped his family but is forever shackled to them, etc. – and Bettany takes the weight of it all and lets it simmer in his face and posture. It’s impressive, especially when you consider it’s a role that he likely could have tackled in a much more manic way.
This one is definitely recommended. Be sure to watch the film when it lands on Prime Video on November 26.
One Last Thought:
Peter Macdissi is a real delight as Frank’s partner, Walid (aka Wally). I just wanted to hug him every second that he was on the screen.
