X

2020
Not Rated
Magnolia Pictures
2 h 9 m

2020
Not Rated
Magnolia Pictures
2 h 9 m

Summary With unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage, Zappa explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Alex Winter’s assembly features appearances by Frank’s widow Gail Zappa and several of Frank’s musical collaborators including Mike K...

Directed By: Alex Winter

2020
Not Rated
Magnolia Pictures
2 h 9 m

2020
Not Rated
Magnolia Pictures
2 h 9 m

Zappa

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 16 Critic Reviews

76

User Score Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings

7.3

My Score

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Where to Watch

Summary With unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage, Zappa explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Alex Winter’s assembly features appearances by Frank’s widow Gail Zappa and several of Frank’s musical collaborators including Mike K...

Directed By: Alex Winter

Where to Watch

View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 16 Critic Reviews

100% Positive
16 Reviews

0% Mixed
0 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 16 Critic Reviews

100% Positive
16 Reviews

0% Mixed
0 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Nov 27, 2020

I found the film to be an engrossing look at Zappa and his legacy that nevertheless avoids the mere hagiography that films of this sort run the risk of embracing when not handled properly.

By Peter Sobczynski FULL REVIEW

The Observer (UK)

Feb 21, 2021

Key to the success of the film is the editing, a pinballing assault of free association, claymation and gleeful profanity, which goes some way towards recreating what it must have been like to spend time inside Zappa’s head.

By Wendy Ide FULL REVIEW

Feb 19, 2021

There’s no denying Zappa’s personal charisma and devotion to his cause, nor his articulacy in its service. Winter has created a fascinating watch.

By Andrew Pulver FULL REVIEW

Nov 23, 2020

It’s a multimedia immersion, filled with rare footage of Zappa from his teenage years on and assembled with the loving dexterity we’ve come to expect from Alex Winter as a filmmaker.

By Owen Gleiberman FULL REVIEW

Washington Post

Nov 23, 2020

Zappa gives its subject his well-earned due within the rock firmament. But even more valuable, Winter gives Zappa pride of place among the most important composers of the 20th century, sharing some extraordinary performances of his little-known classical work.

By Ann Hornaday FULL REVIEW

Wall Street Journal

Nov 27, 2020

It’s a rare documentary portrait that doesn’t oversell its subject.

By John Anderson FULL REVIEW

Nov 27, 2020

Alas, the trouble with trying to capture a mercurial artist on such a legible canvas is that the attempt — no matter how sincere and self-aware it might be — can only do justice to its subject through its failure to see them clearly.

By David Ehrlich FULL REVIEW

See All 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings

78% Positive
7 Ratings

22% Mixed
2 Ratings

0% Negative
0 Ratings

User Reviews

User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings

78% Positive
7 Ratings

22% Mixed
2 Ratings

0% Negative
0 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

Production Company Trouper Productions, Zipper Bros Films

Release Date Nov 27, 2020

Duration 2 h 9 m

Rating Not Rated

Genres

Website https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexwinter/frank-zappa

View All Details

Awards

Millennium Docs Against Gravity

• 2 Nominations

Critics' Choice Documentary Awards

• 1 Nomination

Cinema Audio Society, USA

• 1 Nomination

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