Frankie Starlight: Una razón para vivir

The story of a man suffering Dwarfism, his autobiography and book(and what happens to him in his adult life, following the publication) offering a chronology of the life his independent and determined mother Bernadette, who escapes France during WWII, has an affair with a married Irish immigration official after reaching those shores, and finally tries to make life work in Texas. She is inspiring as she keeps fighting in spite of adversity and trying to make things right, not putting her burden on others. And her son, the titular Frank, is an image of how poorly "unusual" people are treated, and sadly it results in his low self esteem. This is a very touching film, without devolving into melodrama or manipulation. It utilizes a few brief instances to convey to you what this particular situation is like, it's not hammered home or lingered on, so instead we can move on to the next thing. It leads to a movie that comments well on several things without being preachy - social behavior, religion, and human nature. Not every character is entirely developed, but you get a sense of what they're like, and they do feel like real people. While they may not be likable, you can recognize them, and not only outside of yourself. The performances are great. There is a little language and sexuality, none of it gratuitous, in this. The DVD comes with a trailer for this and a photo gallery. I recommend this to fans of the actors and of drama. 7/10

Byrne's work, usually excellent, blends in subtly here, works its power through understatement, underplaying. His character's kindness lights and lifts Frankie to the stars, literally and figuratively, but Frankie's star shines brightest. "Frankie Starlight" begs description; the type of beautiful, warm story that just isn't made anymore, that isn't believable, even when it's a true story, as this one is. These movies just don't exist, we're told. I liked "My Left Foot" which received more critical attention and did better at the box office than "Frankie." But "Frankie" -- for no good reason, none I can state --left a warmer, happier impression; maybe because its heroics were less dramatic; it's a simpler story. A "Little, Big Man" without cowboys and Indians, and in this case a really little "little, big man" -- how do you sell such a film? What's that? He's not an American, either? Too bad. Got art-film house written all over it. Yada yada yada. Yet I want to see "Frankie" again -- and then read him, too. Learn a lot more. A fine film, generally low-key, sotto voce -- and so much more powerful because it is.

This is one of the great "unknowns" in the movie world: a great film seen by very few people. I'm still waiting for the DVD but not holding my breath. Thankfully, my VHS is still good. But like anything good, we'd like to share this with others and most people have never heard of this movie.

For those sensitive souls who enjoy a fascinating portrait of an unusual person or persons that is both sad and uplifting, this is your ticket. It has both, in spades.....a haunting film you can't forget. It's a tragic tale yet has a happy ending of sorts and leaves you feeling satisfied.

What it is, and I can't remember if it is based on real-life situation, is the story of a woman who has a dwarf for a son and what happens to the two of them, beginning in France, moving to Ireland, over to the United States and then back to Ireland.

Along the way, the mother, played so sadly by French actress Anne Parillaud (the original La Femme Nikita), gets involved with two men: Gabriel Byrne and Matt Dillon. All three of these adults are really interesting, likable people, but nothing like the dwarf, who is played magnificently by two actors. Alan Pentony plays "Frankie" has a child and a more lovable kid would be hard to find. Corbin Walker does a great job of playing the adult "Frankie." Trust me: you will not forget either of them.

Walker narrates the film, telling it mostly in flashback style, from his best-selling book. In addition to his mom and the two father-figures in his life, is a short story of Frankie's love affair with astronomy and the stars, hence "Frankie Starlight."

The only profane character in the movie is the book publisher who has two short scenes. That, and two quick sex scenes, give it the "R" rating. Otherwise, this is wonderful old-fashioned storytelling, the kind that makes you really care about the characters.

Frank Bois (Corban Walker) is a dwarf with his autobiographical story recalling his past. His mother Bernadette (Anne Parillaud) is a French refugee who stole away on troop transport ship during WWII. Jack Kelly (Gabriel Byrne) is a married man, but falls the damaged woman. Later, Terry Klout (Matt Dillon) would take her to America.

Sometimes adapting from a novel presents movie makers with a problem. There's too much story to fit into a movie. It would probably be better to trim some parts of the story. Even though the present day story has a nice emotional breakdown from Corban Walker, it does disrupt the flow of the flashback story. The disruption is not a good thing.

The first half has a stand out performance from Georgina Cates as Jack's shocked daughter Emma, but she's gone soon enough. The character Emma would return with another actor as the adult version. Gabriel Byrne is solid as the part-time leading man. Parillaud is ethereal and mysterious. Alan Pentony capably plays the young Frankie. Matt Dillon is a brash young guy which he's an expert at playing as the other part-time leading man.

In a way, I think having Bernadette as the protagonist would be better. She's basically the central character in Frankie's story anyways. Parillaud would have to provide more depths in her performance. Being mysterious would only go so far.

Corban Walker and Alan Pentony are both wonderful (would love to see more performances by both) and give the nuanced portrayals that give the title character life and depth that linger past the end of the movie. Gabriel Byrne also is particularly good as one of the two "fathers" that give Frankie all the love and acceptance of which they are capable; the flaws of these men show their compassion that much more clearly. The central figure of Frankie's mother remains elusive (purposefully) and one of her chief motivations is let drop mid-way through the film; but the resolutions of the film are perfect and the astronomy theme provides a setting for most of the actors to portray greater depth for their characters.