Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story

Wonderful outsider documentary based on the life of Chris Sievey, the mastermind behind Frank Sidebottom.

The clips of Frank had me in tears of laughter but it's not all laughter and light. A darker side of the creator and his relationship with his creation is revealed throughout.

This documentary belongs up there with the likes of "The Devil And Daniel Johnston". A fascinating insight into the mind of a genius / madman

10 stars.

Once you start watching the story of Chris Sievey you suddenly become so engrossed with his tale of life.... and the life of Frank Sidebottom who took over and became a major cult for many in the 90's... So sad in many ways but enjoy the funny parts that Chris & Frank gave us.....

What a treasure trove of wonderful eccentricity. It's not so much a documentary as an archive of bizarre genius ...and what an archive it is! To say that Chris Sievey was an interesting character is a monumental understatement. A polymath artist, the epitome of DIY, the positive side of anarchy. He was an odd mixture of striving for the next big thing, but never hitting the big time, to the point that that became the point. Chris was always on the move, pushing, doing weirder and weirder things, that arguably redefined what it means to be underground. But then came Frank. It's easy to forget just how massive Frank Sidebottom became and it's difficult to ascertain just what that meant for Chris. He was a rule breaker with unlimited optimism, but his story was rather sad as he became trapped by the world he created. This though is a celebration, not of Frank, but of the man inside.

Late 80s. My mates Baz and Bert kept going on about "I've got a papier-mâché head". I didn't know what they were on about. I was a normal teenager - not yet exposed to the wonderful world of the non-mainstream. So I knew more about FS through association rather than anything else. My interest grew further when, on my own in Budapest and craving any English language film, I went to an indie cinema and watched the wonderfully emotional film 'Frank' starring Michael Fassbender as a semi-fictional character loosely based on Chris Sievey's alter-ego FS. 'Frank' was written by Jon Ronson, who was in one of Chris' early bands, and also appeared, as himself, in this documentary. I'd say, if you get the chance, watch 'Being Frank: The Chris Sievy Story' and then 'Frank' the fictional tribute, as a wonderfully weird, poignant and, ultimately beautiful double bill portrayal of this wonderful anti-establishment artist. Both Chris and Frank would approve.

PS - I watched this film at the Brixton Curzon and I was the only person in the theatre. Upstairs, there was a stand up comedy night - and I heard no laughing. Probably hardly anyone there either. If this film gives us any message, it's don't worry about the audiences - just stay true to yourself.

I was one of the 'backers' (bit of a mogul you see) of this 7 years or so ago and have been eagerly awaiting the final flick ever since. There have been regular email updates from the director Steve in that time and the passion and effort that has gone in to it is staggering. Now having seen it myself I found it to be interesting, funny and touching and I'm even more grateful that I had the pleasure of meeting Frank (not Chris unfortunately) on the Magical Timperley Tour a decade ago, with my since passed old man. It's not bobbins at all and I'd recommend it completely to fans and non fans alike.