Fixing Frank

Fixing Frank is an intriguing drama that delves into the world of journalism and psychological manipulation, which was theatrically released in 2002. Directed by Michael Selditch, the film stars Dan Butler as Frank Johnston, a gay journalist, and Andrew Elvis Miller as Jonathan Baldwin, his loving boyfriend. Paul Provenza also graces the screen as Dr. Arthur Apsey, a charismatic psychologist and vocal opponent to gay conversion therapy.

The basic premise revolves around Frank's work as a freelance journalist. Assigned to write an article about the infamous Dr. Arthur Apsey, Frank decides to investigate the doctor's methods and ethos by pretending to be a patient seeking therapy. To pull off this deception, he convinces Jonathan, a therapist and staunch supporter of Arthur's work, to help him partake in the pretence of needing Dr. Apsey’s guidance to renounce his homosexuality.

As the plot thickens, Fixing Frank raises various ethical questions about the role of journalism and psychological methodology in the public eye. With Frank's journalistic integrity and love for Jonathan on the line, he's faced with impossible decisions and potential heartbreak. Meanwhile, Dr. Apsey’s ethics are challenged when forced to probe his own measures when dealing with his patients.

The film is highly dramatic, occasionally threading with a sense of thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The love between Frank and Jonathan forms the emotional backbone of the film; however, it's the provocative questions and high-stakes deception that makes Fixing Frank a riveting watch. The audience is thrown into a questionable situation that simultaneously feels authentic due to the strength and chemistry between the actors.

Dan Butler, recognized for his role in the television show "Frasier," seamlessly presents a multilayered portrayal of Frank. His character is complex, driven by a thirst for journalistic truth on one hand while grappling with personal emotional tensions on the other. This inner struggle prompts a further exploration of his personal identity, giving his performance a palpable rawness that is powerful to witness.

Andrew Elvis Miller as Jonathan delivers a nuanced performance. He portrays a man torn between his professional admiration for Dr. Apsey and his loyalty and love for his partner. However, he maintains an aura of sturdiness, groundedness, and sincerity that resonates with the audience.

Paul Provenza adds an important dimension to the plot as Dr. Apsey. He effectively captures the character's charm and charisma, while also suggesting an undercurrent of troubling motivations masked by his impressive front. The exchanges between him and Butler's character bring their conflicting ideologies to the forefront, essentially fueling the movie's overall tension.

Fixing Frank is set in a variety of intimate, indoor locations, which only amplify the personal and psychological themes of the film. Everything from the therapists' offices to the shared home of Frank and Jonathan is meticulously detailed, creating a backdrop that's as intense and unsettling as the story itself. The director, Michael Selditch, has done a commendable job of creating a film that seizes the viewers' attention right from the beginning and maintaining it throughout its gripping narrative.

Appropriately paced and flawlessly acted, Fixing Frank is a potent drama that provides a thought-provoking examination of ethics in the realms of journalism, psychology, and personal relationships. All the while, it brings gay love and self-identity into focus, prompting meaningful conversations about the importance of authenticity and freedom of choice.

However, it's worth noting that the film isn't necessarily a light watch. The subject matter is complex, and the narrative itself is filled with intricate twists and turns. But for those who love films that challenge them intellectually and emotionally, Fixing Frank is indeed a must-watch. Overall, it's a film that's strikingly well-done, marked by compelling performances, intricate plotting, and a brave willingness to tackle difficult issues head-on.