In addition to being named Time Magazine's Coolest Person of the Year, James Franco was also just nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The California native starred in the emotional powerhouse 127 Hours. Based on the harrowing true story of Aron Ralston, 127 Hours is a docudrama directed by Oscar-winning visionary Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) that follows Ralston as he attempts to literally free himself from the grips of death while hiking in Utah. This film is a true tour de force for both Franco and Boyle and has left audiences amazed by the emotional and physical ordeal they vicariously undertook through Franco's portrayal of Ralston.
Although he faces stiff competition from the likes of Colin Firth (The King's Speech) and Jeff Bridges (True Grit), the critically acclaimed Franco deserves to win the Oscar for Best Actor. Although some have criticized Franco's sporadic and seemingly directionless career path, he deftly draws on experience for this breakout role, showcasing a wide breadth of talents. First, there is the humor. Kicking off his career in the hilarious TV show Freaks and Geeks alongside comedic titans Judd Apatow, Jason Segel and Seth Rogen, it is easy to see where he gets his comedic chops. Also, Franco recently appeared in the immensely popular stoner favorite, Pineapple Express alongside Rogen. In addition to humor, however, the character of Aron Ralston calls for a mastery of the nuances of emotional depth and serious disposition. Franco displayed these skills early in his career with his performance in the television film James Dean, for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film. Also, Franco knows what it means to be in a blockbuster film given his experience in the Spider-Man franchise, where he played the emotionally conflicted Harry Osborn. In a supporting role that elevated him into the upper strata of serious actors, Franco played Harvey Milk's much younger lover in Gus Van Sant's Milk.
All of these great films and stunning roles culminate in his brilliant performance in 127 Hours. Taking his acting to another level, Franco has shown both audiences and critics that he is without doubt one of Hollywood's most promising and accomplished young actors. In 127 Hours, Franco brings monumental reality, dignity and character to a depressing circumstance, and shows the raw human drive to live and push on.
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