Watch Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story

Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story is a 2018 British comedy-drama film that tells the story of Chris Sievey, the man behind the papier-mâché head of the cult character Frank Sidebottom. The film is directed by Steve Sullivan and stars Johnny Vegas as Frank Sidebottom and Michael Fassbender as Sievey, as well as interviews with Ross Noble, John Cooper Clarke, and others who knew Sievey.

The film follows Sievey as he embarks on a career in music and comedy in the 1970s, not finding much success until he creates the character of Frank Sidebottom, a bizarre and humorous figure with a large, round head. Frank becomes an overnight sensation in the Manchester music scene, attracting a devoted following with his surreal antics and catchy pop songs.

However, as Sievey's fame grows, he struggles with maintaining his personal life and relationships, often prioritizing Frank over his own family. The film explores the complexities of Sievey's character, from his entrepreneurial spirit to his narcissism and inability to connect with others.

The documentary-style film is filled with archive footage of Sievey's performances and interviews with those who knew him best, providing an intimate portrayal of the man behind the mask. Johnny Vegas's portrayal of Frank Sidebottom is particularly accurate and comical, capturing the warmth and humor of the character.

Throughout the film, the audience is offered a behind-the-scenes look into Sievey's creative process and the dedication it required to maintain the Frank Sidebottom persona. The film also highlights the influence Sievey had on the British music scene, with interviews from celebrities such as Jarvis Cocker and Mark Radcliffe, who were heavily inspired by Sievey's work.

Overall, Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story is a heartfelt tribute to a unique and talented artist, whose legacy continues to inspire people today. The film is a must-see for fans of Frank Sidebottom and anyone interested in the highs and lows of a creative life.

Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 79.