SInce I saw James Franco in the made-for-TV James Dean biopic, I have been most impressed with his acting chops, skills which he later honed in City by the Sea and the Spider-man franchise. He is clearly one of the most gifted screen stars of his generation.
My actor friends are also fond of the young man, with one relating the anecdote of a man who paid for Franco’s acting lessons when then then-Hollywood newbie was hurting for funds. As soon as he started drawing an income, Franco paid back his patron.
Despite Franco’s skill’s as an actor, I was most surprised to hear that he had been tapped to host the Oscars. He never struck me as a stand-up comedian or talk show host, the type of individuals who tend to make the best hosts. With the Oscar “ceremony witnessing a 10 per cent slump compared to the last year“, a consensus is emerging that despite his many talents,
Franco flopped as co-host of the Academy Awards. Throughout the evening, his teleprompter readings seemed drab and forced, and as the show plodded along, he seemed more resigned to the fact that it just wasn’t working.
“It’s no accident,” Roger Simon quipped, “that the audience rose for a standing ovation when Billy Crystal appeared. They were relieved. It was like seeing a water in the desert. He could even crack a joke. And the holographic Bob Hope was even better.” In that Academy Award nominee’s view, entertainers do a better job as hosts.
Franco just didn’t look like he was having fun while co-host Anne Hathaway did. He didn’t deliver a joke as if he were telling a story or relating a personal anecdote, but seemed to be saying with his facial gestures as he was about to recite the punch line “okay, guys, I’m telling a joke, so, um, well, you’re supposed to laugh.” It was almost as if he needed a role into which he could sink his teeth. He just couldn’t play host, a role without a backstory.
I twas bad, but he’s still an exceptional actor. Hathaway is also a very good actress. It was not their bag.
Billy Crystal, Steve Martin: earned their trade in stand up. Franco is a great actor – but not a stage presence. Movie actors don’t have to read/gauge an audience, and don’t have to scramble to find a winning formula – that’s what editors, directors, and all those film specialists are for. Not a bust on James Franco. But the folks who hired for this gig need a sharp kick to their kneecaps.
and no ad-lib skills. Dying is easy: comedy is hard.
DaveO, very well said. Actors don’t have a gauge an audience. Good analysis. Well said, Jenn and Aunt Ralph as well.
The great thing about James Franco is that he is willing to take on roles without fear of losing future gigs. Somebody encouraged him, twisted his arm or possibly gave him bad advice. But he is still cute as a button
Even though the overall ratings were down, they did get a up-tick in the 18-36 male demographic…which was the point of the exercise. And a large-slice of the gay audience is part of that 18-36 male demographic.
From a marketing POV, the AARP-demographic that is the backbone of the annual Oscars is irrelevant.
James who?
Thought you gals weren’t watching Hollywood’s union-card-carrying limo-liberals doing their Oscar thing this year.
Maybe next year you can convince the Academy to let Michael Medved and Gary Sinise host.
Anyone know off hand if Sinese is still a SAG member?
Another off topic Granny goodness rant.
I’d point out that it’s pretty clear that conservatives aren’t anti *private* union. After all, the greatest president of the 20th century was President of SAG.
Surely Granny can’t be arguing that the President of SAG was anti-union.
I didn’t watch the Oscars, but then again if I had Franco would have faded into the background. Anne Hathaway is a cutie.
Who is James Franco? I’d still ask this question had I watch the Oscars.
Auntie Bigot vomits: “Thought you gals weren’t watching Hollywood’s union-card-carrying limo-liberals doing their Oscar thing this year.”
We’re not. It’s not our fault if everyone else does, however. And if it makes national news, we comment on it.
But to a class-warfare-libtards like yourself, it is manna from heaven.
Checkmate.
Regards,
Peter H.