As an exploration of Frank Zappa as a man and artist, Zappa is a rousing success. But in its presentation of the musician’s art, the documentary is mediocre at best.

The latest film from Alex Winter — who’s having quite the year behind the camera (Showbiz Kids) and in front of it (Bill & Ted Face the Music) — boasts “unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage” but spends too much time discussing the music and not enough time spotlighting the songs themselves. What's included is often drowned out by people talking and the overall selections offer a poor representation of the artist’s distinct brand of genius.

Whether intentional or accidental, the film is more an exploration of Zappa's mind and his inability to fit into the mainstream than what made his music great — other than it being outsider art. His inspirational battles with the federal government in the 1980s over censorship and freaky claymation interludes by Bruce Bickford likewise enhance the flow, as do interviews with those close to him.

But entertaining and generally well-made as Zappa often is, the story has already been told —and in more impressive fashion. Thorsten Schütte covered much of the same territory in his 2016 documentary Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words, and while he primarily utilized filmed interviews instead of home movies, he also did right by his subject’s music.

Grade: B. Not rated, but with adult language and themes. Available to rent starting Nov. 27 via fineartstheatre.com and grailmoviehouse.com

(Photo: Roelof Kiers/Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures)