The Frames: In the Deep Shade

Conor Masterson’s film In the Deep Shade is not a definitive career-spanning documentary of The Frames. Nor is it a fly-on-the-wall expose or an us-against-the-world hero saga. It is, simply put, a stark portrait of an extraordinary band, filmed during their 20th anniversary tour. “I suggested filming at a gig, just to get some footage for fun,” says the filmmaker, who has photographed the band since 1998. Glen had seen a personal art film I had made in Paris and suggested I make a film with them. My initial reaction was sceptical as I had no interest in making a music documentary, but I knew the band was comfortable around me and realised there might be an opportunity to do something. In the Deep Shade celebrates simplicity. No captions. No flash-cuts. No voiceover. With a photographer’s eye, poetic sensibility and painterly aesthetic, Masterson examines the ever-evolving relationship between five musicians who’ve known each other for many years. That’s the story, and in its understa