James Franco on Stage in Rome: Performing at Ambra Jovinelli Until October 4

James Franco brings Hollywood to the stage in Rome. Until October 4, the American actor is the protagonist at the Ambra Jovinelli theater with "Desert Film", a show he directs together with Peter Gold and stars in with Blaine Kern III, as reported by Corriere della Sera Roma and Repubblica Roma.

A show inspired by Robert Blake

The performance, lasting one hour and performed in English with Italian subtitles, is inspired by the story of Robert Blake, the Italian-American actor involved in a criminal case for the murder of his wife and later acquitted after a trial lasting four years. Franco tells Corriere that he is "obsessed" with Blake's figure, both for his journey as a child actor and for the trajectory that took him from success to tragedy. The atmospheres evoke "Lost Highway" by David Lynch, a film that marked the last screen appearance of Blake himself.

"It's not a critique of Hollywood"

According to the actor, the show does not intend to be an indictment against the Hollywood system, but a portrait of "someone who is dependent on Hollywood", of someone who transforms "success and fame into a drug". Franco explains that he deeply loves theater, defining it as an experience "like walking on a tightrope in front of the audience", different from and complementary to cinema.

The dream with Garrone and love for Rome

The actor, already starring in Italy in the film "Hey Joe" by Claudio Giovannesi, says he is increasingly connected to the Italian artistic scene: "There is great respect and support for the arts", he states. Among his professional desires is working with Matteo Garrone, whose work and kindness he says he admires. Franco also talks about his relationship with the capital, which he loves to visit, going to Cinema Troisi and dining at his favorite restaurants, La Matriciana and Dal Bolognese.