It’s not just broad story beats that the two share; it’s oddly specific details, like an artist roommate who makes plaster of Paris bagel and cream cheese paperweights. Comparing the two, it certainly appears as though Minion used Frank’s story as the basis for the first act of After Hours, then concocted the rest using his imagination. It’s possible, and maybe even likely, that in the pre-internet ‘80s, Scorsese and others involved in the production weren’t aware of the glaring similarities between After Hours and Lies — but Frank ended up taking legal action and was reportedly “paid handsomely” in the settlement. But despite the basically irrefutable evidence of his substantive contribution, Frank, who passed away in 2018, has never received any actual credit for inspiring After Hours. Maybe that will change? Can we start some kind of campaign? Think of it as kind of the arthouse movie equivalent of when Bill Finger was given credit for co-creating Batman.
You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter! And check out the podcast Rewatchability.
Top Image: Apple, Warner Bros.
Related: Martin Scorsese Has Made The Avengers Of Mob Movies
Get a new true crime story in your inbox every day
It’s true crime week in One Cracked Fact! Subscribe to get true crime sent to your inbox every day this week. Plus, one One Cracked Fact subscriber will be randomly chosen to win a collection of five true crime books. Sign up now!