This is a paint-by-numbers valiant struggle against mental illness narrative that's been done to death and to greater effect. The sole difference in this flaccid offering is (dramatic music cue) racism: a race card left wholly untapped - a flat, cowardly treatment eschewing the incendiary.
As the story is so familiar, the weight falls squarely on the lead. Sadly, Ms. Berry wallows in histrionics and shamelessly chews the scenery. Perhaps it was the schizophrenic writing staff who, at eight, add up to more personalities than Frankie/Alice et al plus everyone inhabiting "Sybil." Too many cooks. . .
The lightweight Ms. Berry's turns from one personality to other feel anchored in costume alone rather than effectively externalizing the divergent internal lives. But that takes acting chops seemingly beyond her grasp.
"Frankie and Alice" is not even a passable time-passer. Instead of holding her head high, Ms. Berry should bury it in shame. She has taken a compelling story (one whose message could have helped those afflicted with the ailment) and turned it into a mirror on the wall in which we are meant to gaze at the best actor in the land. Ms. Berry does not play someone afflicted with Dissociative Disorder, she dissociated from this juicy role.
As the story is so familiar, the weight falls squarely on the lead. Sadly, Ms. Berry wallows in histrionics and shamelessly chews the scenery. Perhaps it was the schizophrenic writing staff who, at eight, add up to more personalities than Frankie/Alice et al plus everyone inhabiting "Sybil." Too many cooks. . .
The lightweight Ms. Berry's turns from one personality to other feel anchored in costume alone rather than effectively externalizing the divergent internal lives. But that takes acting chops seemingly beyond her grasp.
"Frankie and Alice" is not even a passable time-passer. Instead of holding her head high, Ms. Berry should bury it in shame. She has taken a compelling story (one whose message could have helped those afflicted with the ailment) and turned it into a mirror on the wall in which we are meant to gaze at the best actor in the land. Ms. Berry does not play someone afflicted with Dissociative Disorder, she dissociated from this juicy role.