Fixing Frank (2001)

Reporter, Frank Johnston is sent undercover to write an expose on Dr. Arthur Apsey, a doctor who claims he can successfully turn gay men into straight men. A fierce psychological tug of war erupts between the doctor and his boyfriend over the heart and mind of Frank. -WINNER – Best Feature Film, Special Interest at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, 2002 -Based on the stage play by Ken Hanes

Who is doing the talking inside your head?

This was not exactly what I expected, but although disappointed, I did find the film intriging. Only three actors in the entire film which was a rather different concept, and through the plot I was wondering to myself "Where is this leading and just what are they trying to promote in this movie"? I still can't tell you for certain what their aim was as it is entirely possible to walk away with two different opinions of what message the writer was trying to get across. Very good acting and very thought provoking. Regardless of which side of the issue at hand you support, the decision remains yours at the end, as neither side really ever won the argument.

Unusual, entertaining, but a great let down overall as the description of the film really wasn't very accurate. I didn't hate the film, but I really wouldn't recommend it either. It's one of those films that if you see it fine, if not, you're really not missing anything. I am very neutral on this one. July 22, 2007

Finally... some intelligence.

This movie isn't for the intellectually or emotionally vacuous, or for anyone who finally wanted a chance to see Paul Provenza naked (which I did). Well written, expertly directed, and perfectly cast, this one gets your rocks off mentally - which can often be more satisfying than physically, and a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill sex flicks. Dan Butler, an excellent though underrated actor, is wonderfully intense and a perfect choice to star in this movie. He comes off as smart, intuitive, glib and even sensual - i.e., sexy as hell. Finally I found a DVD I won't throw in the trash after one viewing...
June 3, 2007

An Intense Psychological Study

"Fixing Frank"

An Intense Psychological Study

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

Based on the stage play of the same name, "Fixing Frank" (Here TV and Genius Entertainment) is one of those movies that is not easily forgotten. This is not your typical movie, there is not a great deal of action but there is a lot of talk. The exchanges between the characters are enlightening and they cause the viewer to examine himself. What at first appears to be quite funny is indeed very serious and provokes thought as well as self examination.
Dan Butler of Frasier fame stars as psychologist Dr. Arthur Apsey who supposedly can convert gay men to straight. Frank Johnston (Andrew Elvis Miller) goes undercover to check out Apsey's reliability. Frank's lover, Jonathan (Paul Provesnsa) convinces him to find out what the doctor is all about. He poses as a gay man having an identity crisis and blatantly lies to the doctor (or so we are led to believe). We soon wonder if Frank really wants to be straight and is his lover using him as a pawn in the game. Does the doctor have his own agenda? What appears, it seems, is not what is and we are treated to a psychological game of cat and mouse---we suddenly realize that it is not only the actors who are involved, but the audience is as well. It seems that all of the characters engage in banter of some sort and the levels of truth are not easy to decipher. The film works towards a finale that holds nothing of what is expected and it is the mastery of the actors that make this drama so compelling. Important questions are raised here. We have a chance to look at gay men who are unhappy in who they are, who have great difficulty in accepting themselves. We also have those gays that choose to live lives that fit into the mainstream and attempt to be "good" homosexuals and we learn how the self loathing homosexuals survive in the world today.
I must admit that after watching the film I was quite upset--not with myself but with those of our community who cannot admit who they are. If I were a drinker, I would have hit the bottle--the movie hit me that hard. It is not often that a movie can play with your mind but "Fixing Frank" does that. I hope that I am not misunderstood here. This is an important film especially by virtue of the fact that it is disturbing. How often do we go to the movies and walk away thinking about what we have seen? How often do those thoughts follow us to the point that we are literally shaken by them? This was something that used to happen with art films and it has been a long time since a film caused me to seriously think about who I am and why I am here. This is a sign of greatness. A movie that can affect the mind is an experience that we do not have a lot of. After the smoke clears along with our thoughts, we realize that we have been witness to an unusual experience. So far, by far, this is the most exciting movie I have seen this year and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
January 27, 2007

Fear of fixing

If the topic of reparative therapy is of interest to you, this movie offers an inside view to the methods of "questioning self" no matter what your preference. If you seek entertainment skip Fixing Frank. The film requires your full attention from the start and boldly challenges ethics of the psychology profession as well as the gay agenda. Who wins at the end of this theatrical chess game? Depending upon the circle of friends you keep the answer is worth exploring especially if some friends are afraid to speak. January 21, 2007

Intense Storyline - Great Cast - Controversial Topic

This was an excellent film. However, you'll need to get through the first 30 minutes before it starts grabbing you. For me, I found myself wandering through the first part of the film wondering exactly where this story was headed.

The story just starts, and you need to pay careful attention to understand the relationship between the 3 characters. All 3 stars (Dan Butler, Andrew Elvis Miller, Paul Provenza) are excellent in their roles! At moments, Butler and Miller capture the screen.

At first, I did NOT like some of the filming techniques, at all! I got use to it, maybe half way through the film. This is a personal taste, and you'll either like the style, or hate it. Rather then lay out the premise of the film in the beginning, the viewer must watch and learn to understand how the 3 characters develop. The film uses flash-forward sequences, which at times were annoying.

Storyline: Dr Apsey (Butler) plays a psychologist who is believed by many to convert gay man to straight. "Frank", for whom the film is titled, is setup by his boyfriend, Dr Baldwin, to play a patient who desires to be "fixed" (i.e. made straight). Frank is a writer, and intends to tell the story. About a 1/3 of the way into the film, things take a dramatically different direction. At this point, only each individual watching the film can determine what they consider to be "right or wrong".

You should try and watch the film with friends, and be prepared for a lively discussion afterwards. Personally, no one could convert me to be someone other then who I am. But the film raises questions, that MAY not be easy for everyone to answer.

There are a few exceptional portions of the film, and the second half is clearly better then the first. The film is occasionally slow, mostly in the beginning. You'll need to watch it carefully to stay focused on the story. The end result is an intense film that deals with the issue of "conversion therapy". Again, I already have my personal opinions, but you may find yourself leaning to both sides of the fence after watching "Fixing Frank". December 26, 2006

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