Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story

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.

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.....

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.

A look into the life and times of Chris Sievy aka Frank Sidebottom, a touching and incredibly made documentary. Must've seen it 20 times since I first watched it.

People who aren't from Manchester & surrounding areas my not realise how big Frank Sidebottom was (especially during the late 80s). His version of: We Will Rock You (where little Frank takes it away) is a musical masterpiece, that, put the original to shame - a bit like putting a lovely bit of artex on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. A poor artex job is just a shambles, but, when it's done properly it's something to behold.

Anyway, this documentary is dead good.