“Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story“ is a nostalgic walk down memory lane, loaded with rainbows, cartoon animals, and plenty of business drama. The documentary does a good job of conveying the spirit of the legendary brand but is, in my opinion, too lopsided.
An Image Ware, a Writing Bug
The filmmakers used Lisa Frank inspired animation for some of the storytelling that brings you smack dab into their cutesy, elaborate and colorful world. This was one of the highlights of the doc series. But the story draws heavily on former employees, offering a picture of an unhealthy work environment and a distant, heartless boss. These stories are compelling, but without Lisa Frank’s evocative insight.
Is It Just a Bunch of Complainers?
Be prepared for complainer overload. A lot of unhappy people along with some shocking vitriol from her ex-husband and her own son. At times I even wondered if there was a story here or are we just leaning into nostalgia to create a docuseries. A lot of what employees are speaking about are things you see in most corporate jobs, especially for those times. To me it felt like a l
What is the Unsolved Half of the Puzzle?
The biggest disappointment with the documentary is the lack of Lisa Frank’s voice. She understands the challenges of creating and maintaining a profitable brand, especially when it’s as individualistic as Lisa Frank. Without her participation, there’s no complete story and the reader has to make his or her own assumptions from one side.
A Call for Season 2?
We need a second season if we are going to bring Lisa Frank’s tale full circle. The season should give you a better perspective with interviews with Lisa Frank herself and other players in the history of the company. By looking at Lisa Frank’s triumphs and setbacks, we can get a deeper, truer picture of the brand and its creator.
A Nostalgic Journey Worth Taking
Regardless of its flaws, “Glitter and Greed” is a riveting watch for Lisa Frank and 80’s/90’s nostalgia. The documentary encourages discussions about the realities of brand building, employee happiness and corporate culture. Nevertheless, it’s important to view the story with critical eyes.
