Frank & Ava 2018

Biography

Drama

History

Box Office

$562K

Runtime

110 min

Language

English

Directed by

Michael Oblowitz

Made by

Gravitas Ventures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Frank & Ava (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In the year 1949, a disheartened Frank, once the king of swoon who enchanted countless “bobby soxers,” faces a decline in his career due to a faltering voice, a crumbling marriage, and a tainted off-screen reputation. Amidst the chaos, he becomes enamored with the rising star, Ava Gardner, who is widely regarded as the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. Their romance ignites with an intense flame, but the couple struggles under the relentless scrutiny of tabloids, particularly from reporters like Hedda Hopper, who thrive on publicizing their tumultuous relationship.

As rumors swirl, Frank is painted as an adulterer while Ava is labeled a homewrecker, especially since Frank’s wife, Nancy, remains steadfast in denying him a divorce. After finally tying the knot in 1951, the tabloids continue to fan the flames of scandal, often revealing the salacious details of their affairs whenever their careers take them in opposite directions. It is frequently Ava who departs for distant lands like Europe or Africa to film, leaving Frank to cope with his increasing insecurities.

While Frank’s career hangs by a fragile thread, he becomes desperate to secure the role of Private Angelo Maggio in the anticipated Columbia Pictures film, From Here to Eternity. Despite giving it his all to land the coveted “Maggio” role and attempting to keep Ava in check, it becomes painfully clear that they both face long odds. Frank’s reputation as an actor is shaky, as recent projects have not fared well, and he and Ava seem to be two wild, hard-drinking souls spiraling toward self-destruction. Their passionate confrontations often lead to fierce exchanges of insults, with Ava storming off, leaving Frank in despair and resorting to numerous suicide attempts upon hearing of her affairs.

Ultimately, the couple separates, with Ava staying in Spain to film The Barefoot Contessa and becoming involved with famed matador, Luis Miguel Dominion. However, fate takes a turn when Frank, perhaps persuaded by Ava, the mob, or simply his unwavering determination, finally secures the role of Maggio. From Here to Eternity becomes a monumental hit, reviving Frank’s career and earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, marking one of the most remarkable comebacks in Hollywood history. Yet, as he stands on the podium accepting his award, the triumph feels bittersweet, echoing the Pyrrhic victory of a heart broken and celebrated alone. The film, Frank and Ava, is enriched by interviews with several notable figures, including Academy Award winner, Shirley Jones, who provide valuable insights and firsthand accounts of the tumultuous events depicted.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Frank & Ava (2018) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Career Decline

In 1949, Frank, who was once the 'king of swoon', experiences a significant decline in his career. His once-melodious voice falters, and both his marriage and reputation deteriorate, leaving him disheartened.

1949

Meet Ava Gardner

Amidst his struggles, Frank becomes infatuated with Ava Gardner, the stunning rising star of Hollywood. Their intense romance blossoms, drawing both admiration and scrutiny from the public and media alike.

Tabloid Scrutiny

As Frank and Ava's relationship heats up, the tabloids begin to eagerly document their affair. Reporters, particularly Hedda Hopper, sensationalize their tumultuous romance, painting Frank as an adulterer and Ava as a homewrecker.

Struggles with Divorce

Frank's wife, Nancy, adamantly refuses to grant him a divorce, adding to the stress of his relationship with Ava. The couple must navigate the challenges of public perception and personal turmoil with increasing difficulty.

Marriage to Ava

In 1951, despite the odds against them, Frank and Ava finally tie the knot. However, the weight of public scrutiny continues to plague their marriage, leading to further complications and heartache.

1951

Career Challenges

As Frank's career falters more, he becomes increasingly anxious, especially about securing the role of Private Angelo Maggio in Columbia Pictures' *From Here to Eternity*. He desperately tries to balance his acting aspirations with his tumultuous relationship with Ava.

Ava's Film Ventures

Ava frequently departs for distant filming locations, including Europe and Africa. These absences exacerbate Frank's insecurities, fueling their confrontational exchanges and leading to intense arguments.

Despair and Crisis

The couple’s volatile relationship reaches a breaking point, resulting in passionate confrontations. Frank's despair deepens, prompting him to attempt suicide upon learning of Ava’s indiscretions.

Separation

Ultimately, Frank and Ava decide to separate, with Ava staying in Spain for filming. She becomes involved with famed matador Luis Miguel Dominion, leaving Frank to grapple with loneliness and heartache.

Spain

Career Revival

Against all odds, Frank finally secures the role of Maggio in *From Here to Eternity*. This role becomes pivotal, turning his career around and earning him acclaim once again.

Oscar Victory

The film *From Here to Eternity* becomes a monumental success, earning Frank the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This recognition marks one of the most remarkable comebacks in Hollywood history.

Bittersweet Triumph

As Frank accepts his Academy Award, the moment feels bittersweet. Despite the accolades and recognition, he is reminded of his broken relationship with Ava, reflecting the complexity of victory in a life filled with heartache.

Documentary Reflections

The film, *Frank and Ava*, is further enhanced by interviews from notable figures, including Academy Award winner Shirley Jones. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the tumultuous events surrounding Frank and Ava's relationship.

Characters

Explore all characters from Frank & Ava (2018). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Frank Sinatra

Once celebrated as the 'king of swoon', Frank faces a steep decline in his career due to personal issues and his troubled marriage. Despite his charm and talent, insecurities about his reputation permeate his character, leading to desperate actions for love and validation. Frank is portrayed as a passionate yet fragile man, navigating the complexities of fame and heartache.

🎤 Musician 🎭 Troubled Hero

Ava Gardner

Ava is depicted as a stunning and determined actress, regarded as one of Hollywood's most beautiful women. Her rise to stardom accompanies a contentious relationship with Frank, marked by intense passion and painful separations. She embodies both strength and vulnerability, as her career ambitions often clash with her tumultuous love life.

🌟 Starlet ❤️ Romantic Interest

Setting

Learn where and when Frank & Ava (2018) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1949 - 1951

Set in the late 1940s to early 1950s, this period reflects the post-war social changes and the evolving landscape of Hollywood. The film industry during this time was characterized by the rise of celebrity culture and the impact of tabloids, which heavily scrutinized personal lives. This era also saw the emergence of iconic films that shaped cinematic history, including the pivotal role Frank secures in the film 'From Here to Eternity'.

Location

Hollywood, Europe, Africa, Spain

The story unfolds primarily in Hollywood, the heart of the American film industry, renowned for its glamorous lifestyle and captivated audiences. As the romance between Frank and Ava develops, it also traverses various international locations, including Europe and Africa, symbolizing Ava's rising star power and the couple's turbulent relationship. Eventually, the narrative even reaches Spain, where Ava's career continues to flourish.

🌍 Locations 🎬 Film Industry

Themes

Discover the main themes in Frank & Ava (2018). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love & Despair

The tumultuous love story between Frank and Ava highlights the intensity of romantic relationships that are often marred by public scrutiny and personal insecurities. Their passionate encounters are punctuated by despair, struggling against the external pressures of media and personal demons. This theme ultimately underscores the sacrifices individuals make in the name of love, even as they face heartbreak.

🏆

Redemption

Frank's journey from a faltering career to winning an Academy Award serves as a powerful narrative of redemption. His relentless desire to regain his status in Hollywood embodies the struggle against adversity. This theme resonates with the idea that triumph can arise from deep personal failures, illustrating the complexity of success when intertwined with deeply emotional personal experiences.

📰

Media Scrutiny

The invasive nature of media plays a central role in the couple's struggle, reflecting how public perception can shape private lives. The tabloids' portrayal of Frank and Ava's relationship creates additional challenges, highlighting the toxic reality of fame. This theme shows the often-unforgiving lens of society and its impact on personal identity.

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