Nissan Zangilevitch Crafts the Emotional Compass of Frank and 3
A film composer might be the ideal representation of massive talent partnered with nearly nonexistent ego. Completely void of the spotlight, toiling away in a studio, the composer’s work is present throughout most of the film while they never experience a moment of public “face time”, either on camera or at those glitzy premier events. Musician and composer Nissan Zangilevitch made his peace with this fact long ago. He’s not bothered in the slightest because the payoff for him is creating a musical score that blends so well with the performances of the actors that it becomes an inseparable part of their character. The score he co-composed with Joe Shirley for director Charlie Ullrich’s Frank and 3 was the recipient of great praise at such prestigious events as the Cannes Indies Shorts Awards, Mammoth Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival, Beverly Hills film festival. Unquestionably, Frank and 3 will challenge one’s sense of companionship, personal purpose, and the very stability of reality…in the most pleasant of ways.
While they had collaborated multiple times, Nissan and Joe Shirley had never co-composed the score to a feature film together prior to Frank and 3. It’s a tribute to Mr. Shirley’s respect for Mr. Zangilevitch’s highly creative approach in the fact that the former proposed the collaboration in part due to this quirky film plot. Frank and 3 follows Frank (BAFTA Games Award Nominee Steven Ogg) as he deals with a devastating loss and the existential questions this has cultivated. In a somewhat delirious state, Frank makes a new best friend in “3”, a paper towel dispenser which he takes on as a travelling companion in the most unusual road trip/buddy adventure ever. As Frank and 3 grow closer and commune with nature, the deeper message of the film becomes more clear; how do we define acceptance and companionship? The seemingly absurd nature of a best friend who is an inanimate object is more acceptable when it allows positive emotional growth. The message of Frank and 3 lands with a lot of heart, and no shortage of humor.
Nissan was enthusiastic from the outset about this project. He recalls, “From the first moment we started chatting with Charlie about the music for Frank and 3, we knew we had to make something special and different. The emotional goals we discussed for the score centered around conveying the core contrast between loneliness and companionship, while also serving as a sort of voice for the character “3” since it communicated nonverbally. We focused on initially highlighting Frank’s emotional turmoil and isolation, then subtly introducing and developing a sense of unexpected connection and warmth as he meets “3.” As the movie came to a close on their intimate forest conversation, Charlie wanted the music to achieve a profound sense of wholeness and acceptance, guiding the audience through their journey. Ultimately, the score’s central role was to be the film’s emotional compass, articulating the unspoken and inviting viewers into their unique journey of finding connection amidst loss.”
It’s overtly clear from the first scene that Frank is lonely and isolated from the musical theme that will accompany him throughout the film. The quiet, melancholic rhythm of his day is perfectly balanced in the music counterpoint of this. An idyllic counterbalance to this is the tone which the composers crafted for 3. When Frank first meets 3, the score is deliberately quirky and whimsical, immediately imbuing this inanimate object with a distinct personality right from the get-go. Nissan states, “It wasn’t just about making it sound odd; it was about giving ‘3’ a voice and a character through sound, especially since it communicates non-verbally. This introduction also serves a crucial purpose in opening the film up to its fantastical element, hinting that this world might not be as normal as they thought up to this point, but one where a paper-dispensing machine can actually think, feel, and communicate with Frank. So, it was incredibly important to highlight that sense of wonder and the slightly surreal nature of their connection, setting the stage for their unique, evolving relationship throughout the film.” Towards the end of the film, as Frank and 3 are walking through the forest, ethereal vocals and lush instrumentation conveys the sense of wholeness and true connection that manifests as a result of the adventure of these two unlikely friends. Frank and 3 challenges us to rise above our own isolation, to dream of a happier life and to do so by unorthodox means if need be. It’s a beautiful proposal and an equally enjoyable viewing experience.
Writer : Calvin Hooney
