After facing allegations of sexual misconduct, Pineapple Express star James Franco has shared insights into how he has broadened his career and learned from his experiences.
Franco has maintained that the allegations made against him by two former students from his film school in 2019 were ‘not accurate’. At the time, he expressed a desire not to ‘shut down’ those who he felt ‘didn’t have a voice’.
The actor eventually reached a $2.23 million settlement with the accusers. Last year, he discussed with Variety how he felt ‘cast out’ of Hollywood, stating: “It is what it is. I’ve honestly moved past it. It was dealt with, and I got to change.”
Although the controversy led Franco to rethink his approach to work, he remains active with various upcoming projects. Recently, he appeared in the drama film Hey Joe and is now gearing up for a role in Vincent Gallo’s Golden State Killer.
Beyond acting roles, Franco has been involved in other endeavors and admitted to becoming ‘a little crazy’ with work as he tried to balance acting and directing, ultimately using these experiences as learning opportunities.
In a conversation with Variety, he shared: “I love movies so much and there were so many stories I wanted to tell. I went back to film school to learn how to direct [and realized]: ‘I’m no longer the person who has to wait for them to call me to be in their movie. I can make my own films!’ This started a whole other chapter.”
Franco acknowledged his ongoing ‘obsession’ with movies, saying: “Let’s call it that, because I’m the kind of person who can become really obsessive.”
Nonetheless, Franco has come to understand the importance of maintaining ‘balance’.
“I had to learn its importance,” he remarked.
Now 47 years old, the actor spoke at Italy’s Torino Film Festival, reflecting on his work in the film that earned him his sole Academy Award nomination, the intense 127 Hours.
The movie, based on a true story, depicts Aron Ralston’s ordeal, portrayed by Franco, as he becomes trapped by a boulder in a Utah canyon and is compelled to take extreme measures to survive.
Franco described his Oscar nomination as being ‘so impactful’, and added: “At that time, it was almost too much to take in.”