Frag reviews
Review by on 29 Sep 2009
The dramatic 2008 documentary FRAG is a rare and unexpectedly deep look into the underground world of professional video gaming. It is clear from the off that director Mike Pasley never intended pulling any punches in his mission to expose (and perhaps romanticise) the darker side of his chosen subject; corruption, drugs, wealth and abandonment (from both sponsors and family) are all commonplace in professional tournaments, with many aspiring young gamers leaving school and cracking under pressure, never reaching the top.
This isn’t to say that FRAG is a gloomy film, more a poignant study of the dedication and skill necessary to succeed in the underground virtual arena, interviews with industry gurus and gaming success stories, such as the infamous Jonathan ‘FATAL1TY’ Wendel, are light-hearted and even a little inspiring.
FRAG’s score is a major strongpoint; reflective of the film's changing mood and the underground nature of pro gaming in general, it feels coherent and appropriate throughout, with several montage sequences all sounding as cool as they looked.
One major problem however was FRAG’s lack of answers. Plenty of questions were asked, questions regarding the role of corporate sponsorship, league control, performance enhancing drugs, the unstable lives of gamers, etc. but no kind of resolution or explanation was given, making the film feel open ended and incomplete.
Whether or not you enjoy FRAG will depend heavily on your knowledge of video games and your opinion on whether people can genuinely expect to make a living from playing them, if you know a little about games and would like to discover the plight of those who play them for cash, then FRAG is worth seeing. If not, you will not enjoy this film and the 88 minute running time will feel decidedly longer.
CHRIS RAMSDEN
The dramatic 2008 documentary FRAG is a rare and unexpectedly deep look into the underground world of professional video gaming. It is clear from the off that director Mike Pasley never intended pulling any punches in his mission to expose (and perhaps romanticise) the darker side of his chosen subject; corruption, drugs, wealth and abandonment (from both sponsors and family) are all commonplace in professional tournaments, with many aspiring young gamers leaving school and cracking under pressure, never reaching the top.This isn’t to say that FRAG is a gloomy film, more a poignant study of the dedication and skill necessary to succeed in the underground virtual arena, interviews with industry gurus and gaming success stories, such as the infamous Jonathan ‘FATAL1TY’ Wendel, are light-hearted and even a little inspiring.
FRAG’s score is a major strongpoint; reflective of the film's changing mood and the underground nature of pro gaming in general, it feels coherent and appropriate throughout, with several montage sequences all sounding as cool as they looked.
One major problem however was FRAG’s lack of answers. Plenty of questions were asked, questions regarding the role of corporate sponsorship, league control, performance enhancing drugs, the unstable lives of gamers, etc. but no kind of resolution or explanation was given, making the film feel open ended and incomplete.
Whether or not you enjoy FRAG will depend heavily on your knowledge of video games and your opinion on whether people can genuinely expect to make a living from playing them, if you know a little about games and would like to discover the plight of those who play them for cash, then FRAG is worth seeing. If not, you will not enjoy this film and the 88 minute running time will feel decidedly longer.
CHRIS RAMSDEN
Review by on 27 Sep 2009
With Neveldine and Taylor commenting on the potential violent direction of the video game industry in their recently released Hollywood film GAMER, Mike Pasley's documentary FRAG examines the realities of contemporary professional gamers.
'When did being a professional gamer become a career option? How did we get here?' are the questions the filmmaker poses upon the film's opening. Beginning in the 1980s, FRAG spans the history of gaming obsessions, from the original high score arcade craze to the contemporary phenomenon of gaming leagues that supposedly payout millions of dollars in prizes every year.
Unbiased in its explorations the film features the rise of the world's first superstar gamer Fatal1ty and the strains this pursuit placed on his family relationships. Featured interviews and stock footage appear entirely unambiguous in their purposes, adhering strongly to the responsibilities of documentary filmmaking.
Exposing the false illusions promised to thousands of would-be gamers by sponsors, the film is just in its exploration of the ethically grey politics employed by corporations such as CPL (Cyberathletes Professional League). Offering a disturbing insight into the industries manipulation of the ambitions of tens of thousands of highly exploitable youngsters.
Powerful in its connotations, FRAG reaches far beyond the gaming industry and into issues of obsession with stardom and the desire to live the MTV lifestyles promised to rock stars. The film even features Gene Simmons, formerly of KISS, mentioning how everyone wants to feel like a rock star, and that Guitar Hero is able to deliver this.
MATT MIGLIORINI
With Neveldine and Taylor commenting on the potential violent direction of the video game industry in their recently released Hollywood film GAMER, Mike Pasley's documentary FRAG examines the realities of contemporary professional gamers.'When did being a professional gamer become a career option? How did we get here?' are the questions the filmmaker poses upon the film's opening. Beginning in the 1980s, FRAG spans the history of gaming obsessions, from the original high score arcade craze to the contemporary phenomenon of gaming leagues that supposedly payout millions of dollars in prizes every year.
Unbiased in its explorations the film features the rise of the world's first superstar gamer Fatal1ty and the strains this pursuit placed on his family relationships. Featured interviews and stock footage appear entirely unambiguous in their purposes, adhering strongly to the responsibilities of documentary filmmaking.
Exposing the false illusions promised to thousands of would-be gamers by sponsors, the film is just in its exploration of the ethically grey politics employed by corporations such as CPL (Cyberathletes Professional League). Offering a disturbing insight into the industries manipulation of the ambitions of tens of thousands of highly exploitable youngsters.
Powerful in its connotations, FRAG reaches far beyond the gaming industry and into issues of obsession with stardom and the desire to live the MTV lifestyles promised to rock stars. The film even features Gene Simmons, formerly of KISS, mentioning how everyone wants to feel like a rock star, and that Guitar Hero is able to deliver this.
MATT MIGLIORINI
Review by on 25 Sep 2009
This was an interesting film. I suspect its subject matter may not appeal to some. For me I enjoyed the initial historic view of gaming in the early stages of the film. It was interesting to note that people started competing with the old coin-op arcade machines merely for the prestige. Nowadays the prestige is still a major motivator for these (generally) young pro-gamers. Whilst the money element has both extended the range and grandeur of the events it has also brought a certain amount of corruption into play.
I would have loved to have seen more about the technology involved in setting up some of these tournaments. Although I suspect that this should be a film in itself.
Thought for the day: Isn't it interesting how close the words pro-gamer and programmer are to each other?
This was an interesting film. I suspect its subject matter may not appeal to some. For me I enjoyed the initial historic view of gaming in the early stages of the film. It was interesting to note that people started competing with the old coin-op arcade machines merely for the prestige. Nowadays the prestige is still a major motivator for these (generally) young pro-gamers. Whilst the money element has both extended the range and grandeur of the events it has also brought a certain amount of corruption into play.I would have loved to have seen more about the technology involved in setting up some of these tournaments. Although I suspect that this should be a film in itself.
Thought for the day: Isn't it interesting how close the words pro-gamer and programmer are to each other?
