I totally agree with you that Frank’s point of departure was about moments “that twist the knife.” So juicy the way you put it. But he does it with such subtly that sometimes I feel like this meaning can fly under the radar.

Now I am going to complain:

I saw a lot of people in the gallery project this gross nostalgia for the 50s as some type of golden era onto the photos. Lots of comments about the clothes – the high waistline jeans did feel like they were from Mars, and the hairdos – no one uses that much hairspray anymore. While I think its fun to appreciate how much design and fashion has changed, it drives me crazy when people start making these comments like “those were the days” or “they don’t make em’ like they used to.”

Also, when a lot of people looked at these photos of destitute people, I kept feeling like the pastoral was getting activated. Look how noble this poor person is who can tough it out and withstand life’s cruel punches.” Just like the way people would look at Millet and say “We should revere how hard these valiant people work.” I don’t think that is what Frank was going for, but I saw people taking it that direction.