The Secret Queer Romances That Inspired Uncle Frank
The Secret Queer Romances That Inspired 'Uncle Frank'
The cast & crew of Amazon Prime Video's latest queer drama talk about the real-life influences of the film in this exclusive featurette.
Following a closeted man traveling back to his southern home after the death of his father, Uncle Frank is a touching meditation on sexuality, survival, trauma, family, and the power of love.
A few of the stars of the film, as well as director Alan Ball, reflect on the message, power, and meaning behind the movie in a new featurette, premiering exclusively on PRIDE.
"It is a movie for anybody who has ever struggled to live their authentic life because of outside pressures," said Paul Bettany, who plays the central character, Frank.
He revealed just how personal the role was for him; his father was closeted and came out to him at 63. "I never really got to know my father in that way." he reflects. "That was the motor I used to play Frank."
It seems Bettany and director Alan Ball shared that connection. In an interview with The Advocate, he revealed that he learned of a possible same-gender romance after his father's death, one that largely inspired the plot of Uncle Frank.
"Feeling like you have to hide who you are because of a lot of voices telling you something different," Ball reflected. "Anytime you keep a fundamental part of who you are a secret, shame builds around that."
Uncle Frank is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Watch the trailer below.
