Despite popular belief, Franco isn’t unused to comedy roles. Playing Daniel Desario in Apatow’s short-lived comedy “Freaks and Geeks” (NBC, 1999-2000) gave him his first real push towards stardom, but it was 2001 that brought his big break: an opportunity to play legendary film icon, James Dean.
Franco threw himself wholeheartedly into the role, recreating his life to match Dean’s. A non-smoker, he began to smoke two packs a day. Knowing the underlying loneliness Dean felt by being cut off from his family, Franco cut himself off from his family and friends. When the final product was released on TNT, audiences watched in shock as Franco slouched across the screen. With the classic half-smile, soft-spoken demeanor and the tortured undertones that fueled his acting, it seemed that Franco had brought James Dean back to life for a few blissful hours.
FAME! And numerous letdowns. . .
That film would signal Franco’s arrival onto the Hollywood scene, earning him an Emmy nod and a Screen Actor’s Guild Award nomination, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries/Motion Picture Made for Television.
Eager to make a name for himself, he took on role after role, his most famous being Harry Osborn in the three Spiderman films. In between were a smattering of dramatic films (Tristan and Isolde, Annapolis, and Fly Boys) that did poorly at the box office and ones Franco wasn’t terribly proud of. He recently told the Los Angeles Times,
“I was fairly disappointed with some of the roles I had done. I guess I'm proud of 'James Dean.' But 'Tristan & Isolde' or ' Annapolis' are just -- I worked really hard on those movies, but I just don't like them. I don't want to make those movies anymore.”
Though Franco was working hard, nothing seemed to succeed. There was nothing wrong with his performance in general. There was just no way to bring the films back from the pits they repeatedly stumbled into.
Franco's Return to Comedy
It was only after a meeting with Apatow to record a commentary for the Freaks and Geeks DVD release that comedy became a tempting medium for Franco. During that meeting, Apatow told him, “I miss the funny Franco.”
A natural at improvisation, Franco was an appealing choice for Apatow. Not long after the meeting, Apatow cast him in Pineapple Express, originally as Dale, with Seth Rogen playing the part of the pot dealer, Saul. However, during the script reading, Franco protested.
"I said, 'Seth gets to play the role I want.' They said, 'No, we want you to play Saul!' They later told me they had decided to give it to me right in that moment."
So James Franco became Saul Silver, completely different from any character he has played thus far, but it genuinely fits. Franco takes on any role with great enthusiasm and comedy is something that comes naturally to him. Before Pineapple Express was released, he recorded a series of humorous videos for Funny or Die.com entitled “Acting with James Franco,” featuring younger brother Dave. One thing is for sure, it will definitely be interesting see what paths Franco takes in the future.
Chris Lee, James Franco plays against type in ‘Pineapple Express’, Los Angeles Times
Chris Heath,James Franco Send His. . .Regrets, GQOnline
 |
