Watch The Frames: In the Deep Shade

The Frames: In the Deep Shade is a documentary film from 2013, directed by Conor Masterson, that takes viewers on a journey into the world of the Irish rock band, The Frames. The documentary captures the band's final tour across Ireland, a twelve night tour that was a farewell to their fans after a 25-year career. The film follows the band members, including lead singer Glen Hansard, guitarist Rob Bochnik, and bass player Joseph Doyle, as they make their way to each of the 12 gigs, showcasing the highs and lows of life on the road. Interestingly, the band's founder, Glen Hansard, had already gained significant fame after starring in the 2007 musical film Once, which he also wrote the music for, and which went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The documentary begins with behind-the-scenes footage of the band members practicing and preparing for their tour, as they go over their setlists and make last-minute tweaks to their performances. With a mix of live concert footage and candid backstage moments, the documentary transports viewers into the intimate world of the band, showing the bond that has kept them together for so long.

The concert footage is gritty and raw, imbued with a sense of intimacy that conveys the passion and emotion that The Frames are known for. As the band takes the stage each night, their energy is palpable, with Hansard's gravelly voice and Bochnik's sweeping guitar riffs filling the room with a sense of electricity. The setlists range from older hits such as Revelate and Finally to newer tracks like In the Deep Shade and The Ghost of a Chance, all of which are performed with an energy that is infectious.

Despite the film's emphasis on the band's final tour, there's a sense that the band is not quite done yet. The band members' conversations, interviews, and reflections reveal their passion for music and their desire to continue creating and performing. They are fully aware that this tour signals the end of an era, but they still hold onto the hope that they will continue to make music together in some capacity.

The concerts and backstage moments are interspersed with interviews with the band members, as well as a few of their closest friends and collaborators. These interviews provide some context for the band's history and the personal connections that lie at the heart of their music.

For example, there are interviews with the band's former bass player, John Carney, who collaborated with Hansard on the aforementioned Once, as well as with Hansard's co-star from the film, Markéta Irglová. These interviews offer a glimpse into the creative process driving the band, revealing the passion that has fueled their music for so long.

Throughout the documentary, there's a palpable sense of nostalgia, as The Frames reflect on their long history and the bond that has kept them together all these years. Fans of the band will appreciate the rare insight into their creative process and the personal relationships that have kept them together, while newcomers may find themselves drawn in by the authentic performances and the raw emotions on display.

In the end, The Frames: In the Deep Shade is a compelling portrait of a band in their prime, showcasing the passion, energy, and creativity that have made The Frames such a beloved and enduring force in Irish music. The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the band's inner workings and provides a fitting tribute to their legacy as they embark on their final tour.

The Frames: In the Deep Shade is a 2013 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.