In my perspective, this individual seems to have undergone a transformative journey, moving from a workaholic lifestyle driven by youthful ambitions to a more spiritually and service-oriented phase of life. This shift, though initially painful due to rejections and criticisms, appears to have been a necessary step towards a more fulfilling existence.
James Franco is casually seated in a secluded spot of a luxurious hotel lobby on Rome’s Via Veneto, enjoying an Americano coffee. He dons a custom-made chocolate brown hoodie he takes pride in, the actor and filmmaker exudes a laid-back vibe and offers his familiar grin.
He’s currently in Rome for the debut of Italian director Claudio Giovannesi’s film “Hey Joe” at the Rome Film Festival. In this hard-hitting drama, Franco portrays Dean, an alcoholic American war veteran from World War II who finds himself back in Naples during the early 1970s, seeking a son he fathered there before leaving for New Jersey.
The movie marks Franco’s comeback on the film festival circuit since his career break following a 2019 lawsuit about exploitation allegations, which has since been settled. Over a cup of coffee, Franco and I discuss that his character is seeking redemption. Is it also applicable to Franco himself?
Following his rise to fame as a prominent Hollywood figure, starring in films such as Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, Harmony Korine’s “Spring Breakers,” collaborations with Seth Rogen on stoner comedies like “Pineapple Express,” and Danny Boyle’s “127 Hours” (earning an Oscar nomination), James Franco’s career experienced a significant slowdown after a lawsuit. This setback might have also denied him another Oscar nomination, having won the Best Actor Golden Globe for his role in 2018’s “The Disaster Artist,” which he also directed.
In a December 2021 episode of “The Jess Cagle” podcast, Franco confessed to having romantic relationships with students at his acting school. He acknowledged that this was wrong, yet emphasized it wasn’t a deliberate scheme on his part. As a result, he faced expulsion from Hollywood. The last film he starred in before 2019, “The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure,” was released in France in July and has no current plans for a U.S. release.
But these days, Franco is thankful for his fall from grace.
He admits that hearing criticism hurts, but in truth, it’s exactly what I required to help me change my path,” he explains.
Lately, he’s finding inspiration in the self-improvement book “The Second Mountain,” by David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, which suggests that true midlife contentment comes from dedicating oneself to something greater than oneself. He remarks serenely, “It appears that such a life is more rewarding.” Apart from this, he’s been immersed in drawing and painting, and has recently debuted a fashion label focusing on streetwear in Hollywood, which he started with his longtime friend Kyle Lindgren. However, one might wonder about the future of his film career.
Recently, Franco collaborated once more with Tommy Lee Jones on the U.S. action thriller “The Razor’s Edge,” currently in post-production. However, the film “Alina of Cuba,” based on a book by Fidel Castro’s daughter and initially planned to feature Franco as the communist leader, seems to have encountered some delays. “I’m not entirely sure about its release,” he admits. He also filmed a serial killer thriller in Portland with Vincent Gallo titled “The Policeman.” This project has become controversial due to Gallo’s alleged inappropriate comments during auditions. Franco shares that there’s ongoing disagreement over the final cut, leaving the outcome uncertain. Furthermore, the Bille August-directed drama “Me, You,” where he was supposed to act alongside Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob, has unfortunately fallen apart for both parties.
In an open and hour-long discussion, Franco shared his thoughts on handling the aftermath of his sexual misconduct lawsuit, his happiness about being in a long-term relationship with actress-director Izabel Pakzad, his aspiration to direct movies once more, and his strained friendship with Seth Rogen.
How did “Hey Joe” come to be?
The film turned out to be an unexpected gem. For quite some time, I’ve held a deep appreciation for European cinema, and I had previously watched Claudio’s films. Additionally, I had crossed paths with the writer, Maurizio Braucci, through another director named Pietro Marcello in the production of “Martin Eden.” And then, all of a sudden, an offer came my way.
I found myself exclaiming, “This is fantastic! The redemption angle really appeals to me.” Moreover, I’ve always admired Italian cinema, especially Claudio’s works. So, saying yes was a no-brainer. To be honest, when I learned that Claudio Giovannesi, the director of ‘Piranhas’, was making a film titled “Hey Joe”, and I would be playing an American in an Italian production, I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. Reading the script only confirmed my excitement as it was truly well-written.
In the movie, you’re seen speaking Italian, and considering your frequent visits to Italy over the years, I recall that at one point you were quite close to Frida Giannini, former creative director of Gucci, and you were involved in many Gucci projects, including a Gucci documentary. Consequently, I’m curious about how you learned Italian – did you study it or were you already proficient?
I didn’t acquire Italian while working with Gucci, as I was quite occupied with other matters during my annual visits to Italy. If given the chance, I would have learned it back then. However, it wasn’t until recently that I truly started learning Italian. My proficiency isn’t great yet, but when I’m playing a character who’s not particularly fluent in Italian and I have a coach to guide me, I feel confident about my performance. This was an entirely new experience for me, as it was the first time I acted in a film using a language other than English.
In your most recent roles, including “Largo Winch Adventure,” we see your comeback after a break of around four years. These productions are both European, so I’m curious about your feelings on being back and if you ever felt like your career may have been put on hold in the U.S.?
Despite going through a legal dispute that prevented me from working, and with everyone struggling due to the onset of COVID-19, I found myself in a shared predicament where work became uncertain for many. It felt as though my identity was shifting amidst this collective experience of uncertainty.
During that period, I undeniably utilized my time productively, as I aim to have done. Regardless of my past circumstances, I recognized the necessity for a complete transformation in my lifestyle. Consequently, I am proud of the kind of efforts I exerted during this phase. Admittedly, I wasn’t involved in film production, but I was definitely engaged in a great deal of work to transform myself.
For approximately eight years prior to my break, I had a successful career. However, I found it challenging to truly savor it. I was a workaholic, constantly on the go. Even during positive instances such as a well-received film or nominations for awards, moments that I wish I could have fully appreciated, I couldn’t because I was afflicted with an unusual desire – always needing more.
So how are things different now?
After taking a break and reevaluating my priorities, I’ve come to realize that what brings fulfillment to my life has changed. I’m thankful for this experience because it allowed me the opportunity to focus on personal growth and make necessary adjustments. Now that I’m back to work, I can dedicate myself fully to this project. It’s not about using work to fill a void, but rather appreciating the wonderful life I have and wanting to contribute positively to whatever task I undertake.
Do you feel that your being cast out of Hollywood was unfair?
Essentially, I’ve accepted what happened and have moved forward from it. It’s been resolved, and as a result, I’ve grown and changed. Therefore, that chapter is closed. To clarify, I’ve also worked in the U.S., and now I’m focusing on moving ahead with my life.
Regarding the intense desire to be satisfied and recognized through your job, can you describe your emotions when, following the allegations, you weren’t nominated for the Best Actor award for “The Disaster Artist”? How did that make you feel?
What I’ve discovered is… While I don’t wish to sound clichéd, this is truly my journey. At times, life can present things to you, and the method of delivery can be excruciatingly difficult. It’s indeed painful. Absolutely, I was incredibly proud of my performance in “The Disaster Artist.” Admittedly, I didn’t receive a nomination. Yes, that stung. However, when considering the broader perspective I’m referring to, perhaps it’s for the better. After all, who am I to judge?
So what is the older version of yourself like?
There’s a captivating book titled “The Second Mountain” which resonates with me deeply. Essentially, it explores the concept of our early dreams and aspirations as the ‘first mountain.’ Many individuals spend their entire lives on this first mountain. However, some may be displaced, leaving them with a choice: to return to the first mountain or venture towards the second mountain. The second mountain represents a more spiritually-inclined life, one focused on service, considering the broader perspective and the needs of others. Based on my readings from various thought leaders, authors, and so forth, it appears that this path offers greater fulfillment. Although rejection and criticism can be hurtful, they were crucial in helping me redirect my course.
How has this way of thinking changed your life?
For quite some time now, I’ve been in the process of recovery, even since my teenage years. I’ve managed to abstain from any kind of substance abuse, but I must admit that I’ve drifted away from maintaining a consistent focus on my recovery journey. A term often used to describe this state is ‘dry’, meaning emotionally and spiritually depleted. I believe this is the condition I found myself in.
Now, I’ve shifted my focus to actively participate and contribute, which has become a significant aspect of my existence. It’s brought me considerable comfort, though I try not to discuss it excessively as it seems one either receives recognition or experiences the peace from doing good deeds. If you constantly boast about your acts of kindness, you might miss out on that tranquility. Therefore, I haven’t shared much about it or publicized it in any way, as I don’t have social media. However, it plays a considerable role in my life now.
To be frank, my personal life was virtually non-existent, as it was constantly intertwined with my professional commitments. However, I did have friends. Yet, the line between work and personal time was often blurred. To clarify, I invested a significant amount of time into nurturing my personal life. For seven-and-a-half years now, I’ve been in a relationship with U.S. actress-director Izabel Pakzad – something I hadn’t experienced before. The truth is, I was too timid and fearful to allow for genuine intimacy with others earlier in my life.
Do you have the itch to go back to directing?
I truly enjoy being a director, yet there’s one crucial lesson I’ve picked up along the way: the virtue of patience and recognizing when the perfect moment arrives for things to unfold naturally. At times, my impulsive youth can tempt me with desires like, “I want this, and I want it immediately!” However, what I’ve come to understand is that I don’t always know what lies beyond that instant, and there might be something even better waiting that I’m not yet able to perceive. In essence, I strive to lead my life with patience, and I apologize if this sounds cliché – but it’s genuinely how I choose to live. I adore directing, and I eagerly await the right opportunity for me to do so.
Are you still in touch with Seth Rogen?
I haven’t had a conversation with Seth recently. Despite sharing 20 wonderful years with him, it seems our relationship has ended. Regardless of my efforts, it appears things won’t work out between us anymore. I’ve expressed to him the deep value he holds in my life.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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2024-10-25 19:23