Fixing Frank

The feelings through seeing this film were so contrastant than not exactly easy to define it.

It is a film about rivalry, chains of lies, manipulation, dark games and forms of cruelty .

Two psychologists.

The boyfriend of one of them used for presumed article , in fact for proves to compromite the colegue.

The first part is more than promissing.

The second seems not only dark but forced in few scenes.

Because the premises are reduced at terrible confrontation in which young man, not very clever but batsy enough for his ignorance confronts a man who seems interested about him in profound sense.

Obvious, Frank is only a tool for mature. Dr. Apsey, for less mature, remaining in his traumas circle Dr. Baldwin. And the presumed independence is only a lie itself.

Not bad film, useful , first, for reflection ( maybe for bath scene, to, for different reasons ).

I started watching this movie, not knowing what to expect. The whole issue of conversion therapy has been close to me ever since a friend of mine who's gay wanted to try and change his sexual orientation. That's why I approached this movie with both anticipation - for some possible answers - and dread.

Let me put it this way: if you want to understand why some gay men want to change their sexual orientation, you've come to the right place. The movie, through the characters of Frank and Dr. Apsey, raises many questions that aren't easily dismissed. The writing is good, the acting is good, and the way it all plays out is both engaging and plausible.

At the end of the day, however, I felt the problem was that too many of the questions raised weren't handled well enough, weren't addressed as they should have been, considering their enormity. Supposedly the movie gives both sides a chance to show their point of view. Supposedly you're given an answer at the end as to which "side" Frank chooses. But you're given no insight as to why he makes the choice that he does at the end (don't worry, I won't give it away) and you certainly not hearing a real discussion between the two opposing POVs, as one is more dominant in this movie, in a way that Considering the importance (even the urgent importance, that the movie itself refers to) of not leaving this discussion one-sided in those areas where there are answers to be offered to the questions raised here, I think there's still an issue of social responsibility pressing, that suggests those answers should have been supplied more than they have been.

Yet for all this, it does make you think. If you're willing to be a thinker, if you're willing to have a go and find the answers that truly balance things out yourself, you could indeed enjoy this movie.

This is a great film! I think it came from a play--really intelligent and psychologically suspenseful. I couldn't wait to see how it ended. Really made me think about the whole issue of "fixing" gay men, turning them straight through psychology. The actors are all really good, and there are a couple of steamy shots worth checking out! I'd love to see another film by this director soon.

My only regret about this movie is it is not yet available for purchase. I would love to watch it again.

Frank is a journalist who is living with his psychologist boyfriend. His boyfriend unethically sets him up to meet with a rival psychologist who works with making gay people straight. Frank battles with the psychologist, his boyfriend and, ultimately, himself. The ending is excellent, and leaves the viewer with even more questions about homosexuality.

It really made me think about whether or not gay people can be made straight. If they are born that way, what if they are very unhappy? Can or should they be allowed to change their sexual orientation? How much of this is because of the gay political climate? Is there really pressure to remain gay if someone wants to be stressed?

I highly recommend this movie, because it is intelligent and witty, and does not cater to one side of the debate, but leaves it to the viewer.

On the topic of the validity and morality of offering psychological treatment for those unhappy with their same-sex attractions. As at July 2007 the APA's official attitude is that "ex-gay" therapy should not be promoted, because it is likely to do more harm than good - but they don't object to the members providing treatment if it is actually sought by the client. "Fixing Frank" plays devil's advocate in letting us decide whether this attitude is really acceptable.

Frank is a young journalist who is lacking in assertiveness and personal motivation. Frank's psychotherapist partner has a long standing loathing for a rival therapist whom he knows has been providing "ex-gay" treatments. He convinces Frank that there's a great opportunity for an expose feature by posing as a client seeking an ex-gay cure from this other therapist. The plan falls apart as we see how carefully chosen and passionately delivered rhetoric very effectively chips away at Franks self-confidence as a gay man.

It's a fine film for helping us to empathise with anyone who has sought ex-gay therapy - and is particularly interesting for allowing us to look through the eyes of the ex-gay therapist who passionately believes that he's doing the right thing.

The commentary track on the DVD is invaluable. The director and the actor playing the ex-gay therapist are both gay - but the other two actors are extremely convincing straight men (the cast are all great actors).