Interview: Fran Kranz on His Directorial Debut, ‘Mass’
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 1:00PM 
In the middle of this second virtual Sundance, I was fortunate to be able to revisit one of the highlights of the first virtual edition which is now eligible for awards consideration: Mass. It’s been troubling to see that, despite initial early buzz for the film and for its cast, particularly Ann Dowd, it’s missed out at a number of important precursors, including that SAG Cast nomination that should have been. I could tell you all about the merits of this film, which I reviewed here during Sundance last year, and its excellent cast, but I’ll direct you instead to the man who knows even better than I do: first-time director Fran Kranz.
The actor-turned-filmmaker, who I remember watching on Dollhouse, which we touched briefly upon in our conversation, is overflowing with praise for his collaborators in this process. It’s refreshing to see how passionate he is about this film and everyone involved with it. Watch our full conversation here:
What’s your take on the Oscar chances for Mass? Can it still earn nominations?
Reader Comments (5)
Zero chance bar Dowd but it should be up there with all the sure things and I can't say enough about Plimpton except I haven't seen DeBose,Blanchett NA or Hunter but I can't see them knocking Martha off no 1 on my list for Supporting Actress.
Great interview. I love the fact that he needed to process Parkland as a human, as a parent, by creating art. Mass is one my favorite films of the year; SAG definitely missed an opportunity to reward the amazing foursome. Interesting take about the opening moments of the film as many critics did not appreciate those minutes of reality.
Also, nice shout out for Sarah Lancashire (my favorite actress at the moment) for the upcoming Julia Child series on HBO MAX. I've heard that Fran is also excellent portraying WGBH's iconic producer, Russ Morash.
My best-of list is usually headed by the film with the strongest screenplay. Mass is right up there. I think it is a superb piece of writing and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a nomination on Oscar morning for Fran Kranz. It would be well deserved.
For the life of me, I cannot comprehend how this wonderful movie is not steamrolling through awards season or at least making a ripple in the water! The four performances are outstanding and they should all quite easily land in the supporting categories. As it stands, only one (probably Ann Dowd) even has a shot (and it's a longshot)!
Even more than that though is the screenplay!! In a just world, Fran Kranz would easily, EASILY sail to a Best Original Screenplay nomination. As it stands, it will take an Academy Award Nomination Day miracle! It's frustrating when I compare the performances and the screenplay to most of what HAS garnered Oscar buzz and, well, most of those "buzzy" choices pale in comparison. Sigh...
I love the Oscars - always have - but every single year there are frustrations like this!
Abe -- i absolutely love that you asked him about DOLLHOUSE. What a great interview. He really jumps in to every question