"Frederick" is the story of a high profile yet sardonic painter and art gallery owner who suffers from an intense version of “artist’s block.” However, his passion reignites when he has an idea for a new show, with his subject being the exploitation of beauty in society. To his surprise, he receives an unexpected visit from an intimidating yet oblivious policeman, Detective Marks, who interrogates him about the disappearance of several young fashion models. Frederick and Marks play a game of cat and mouse, culminating in a mysterious exhibition that both horrifies and entertains.
Direction
Traci Hays squeezes Hitchcockian tension into 16 minutes.
Acting
Josh Mann's smug detachment makes you root against him immediately.
Director
Traci Hays
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The title nods to Frederick the Great, Prussia's 'philosopher king' — another figure who aestheticized violence.
Christopher Soren Kelly plays the gallery manager; he also wrote and starred in the cult puzzle-box film 'The Frame' (2014).
US
