JAMES FRANCO’S SAL REVIEW

SAL REVIEW – Just when you thought James Franco was busy enough. Blockbuster actor, author, and artist, Franco’s 2011 film Sal (written by Stacey Miller) is being distributed by Tribeca Film and debuts November 1. Almost two decades after Sal Mineo’s rise to fame, Mineo is no longer the marquee sensation he had once been. After years of public struggles with drugs and alcohol, he has become open about his homosexuality and is finding his way to becoming the actor and director he has always wanted to be. Featuring a magnetic performance by Val Lauren (Sal), Franco's intimate portrait finds the human details in a larger-than-life Hollywood story.

This film, which also stars Vince Jolivette, Jim Parrack, Trevor Neuhoff, Stacey Miller, and Raymond T. Williams, is quite the departure from Franco’s usual fare, especially his recent roles in This Is The End and Spring Breakers. As if to add to his diverse range of talents, Sal solidifies Franco as a formidable director. The film is very well directed with some excellent choices in cinematography and tone.

While the acting may prove to be a bit melodramatic at some points, Val Lauren is truly remarkable as Sal. The passion and oftentimes arrogance expressed by a man, who despite his talent, lost it all, is enough to wish history could be re-written.

At 103 minutes, the film feels longer than it should be. A scene of Sal and his business partner eating lunch seems at first to be pointless, boring even. Through a series of close-ups, we watch as the two men stuff food into their mouths and discuss their most recent project. Throughout the film, we watch as Sal performs seemingly meaningless actions. He lies on his bed, smoking a cigarette, editing a script and talking on the phone. He goes to the gym, gets a massage. He drives, aimlessly through Los Angeles, as we watch.

But the tedious nature of the film is intentional. Franco makes the decision to draw out Mineo’s last day, creating realism by emphasizing the pointless monotony of everyday life. Without explanation, without commentary, Franco paints a portrait of power and suspense. As the film continues, you begin to feel a sense of connection with Sal, sympathy for a man who was on the brink of reigniting his career. And every time Sal parks his car in an alleyway, the feeling of dread overwhelms you.

Synopsys: The film chronicles the final hours of the life of actor Sal Mineo, one-time teen idol and an Academy Award® nominee for his roles in Rebel Without a Cause and Exodus.

SAL is now available nationwide on VOD and iTunes, and will open in select theaters beginning on November 1, 2013 in Los Angeles at the Sundance Sunset Cinema.

—Andrew Galligan