James Franco has several interesting-looking films coming out this fall/winter. The one I’m really, really looking forward to is Howl, where Franco plays poet Allen Ginsberg (and Jon Hamm plays Ginsberg’s free-speech crusading lawyer). Howl comes out in September – goodie. But in November, Franco also has what is probably his “Oscar-bait” film, 127 Hours. It’s Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle’s first film since Slumdog Millionaire, and it’s a film based on the true story of Aron Ralston, the dude who amputated his own arm when he got stuck while cave-diving/climbing. The trailer was just released and… eh. You judge:
Is it just me or is Franco playing Aron Ralston like he’s kind of a douche? Like he’s irresponsible and doesn’t take proper precautions and that’s why he got stuck in this horrible situation? Maybe that who Aron Ralston really is – or maybe that’s my impression of the situation, because the idea of just throwing around my body in a cave is making my skin crawl.
Anyway, I’m willing to bet that Franco’s performance will be heralded, and honestly, it’s nice to see him take on a lead role and actually have to carry a film. He seems to be typecast though – as an impulsive, trying-too-hard douche. Just my opinion. It also seems like the film isn’t just going to be a meditation on Man vs. Rock, you know? They’re trying to sex it up with girls (Kate Mara and Amber Tamblyn) and make it seem like most of the film isn’t just a dude sawing off his own arm with a dull knife. UGH.
Here are some older photos of Franco looking scarred and bruised after he likely filmed scenes where he had to cut off his arm:
