I didn't really feel the film went into his psyche on why he chose to live that kind of life.
Money. He says one line at one point about how Russ (or Jimmy) got him out of the meat truck. So ... he likely did it to move up economically
shareNo, I don't think it was about money. He didn't seem like a greedy person.
shareThe movie ignored his backstory which is in the book "I Heard You Paint Houses ". He apparently participated in numerous massacres and executions during his wartime experience and it hardened him to the point where he was not affected by taking someone's life.
shareIt did not ignore it, it even showed exactly that. There was a scene where he shot two German POWs in cold blood after letting them dig their own grave.
Maybe put down the smartphone next time you watch a movie...
He was a pretty uncomplicated character and not very interesting, which was very disappointing.
shareHe was just kind of a vessel for the story, seemed like. Which really helps make you appreciate how much a compelling character can add to a story, you know? One that you empathize with and root for.
Even if it would have been BS, wouldn't have minded had they added a little something to this guy for that affect...it'd have made the movie that much better, IMO.
He was similar to Henry Hill in Goodfellas - a morally ambiguous scumbag who escorts you through the highs and lows of the gangster life, betrays his friends and is left hollowed out by the end. He’s far more sophisticated than your typical simplistic Hollywood ‘hero’.
shareNot sophisticated. Just a wasted life.
shareYou misunderstand. The characterisation of Frank was sophisticated compared to the simplistic characterisation of many a Hollywood ‘hero’, whether or not Frank himself was a sophisticated man is another question entirely.
shareYour statement is true, mainly due to the ambiguity of comparing with "many a Hollywood 'hero'". But Frank did not have much of a background. As a matter of fact he was quite bland and cursed with a lack of empathy. A plain 'ole APD sufferer.
shareRight, but those attributes were very consciously portrayed by the highly sophisticated team of artists that brought us the film, which is peppered with very different characters who were crafted with equal sophistication.
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