James Franco is a busy man. He’s acts, directs, creates art and also writes. Now some of his short stories are coming to film with Palo Alto, which stars Franco although this time he doesn’t direct. Instead those duties go to Gia Coppola (granddaughter of Francis Ford and niece of Sofia and Roman).
The film also stars Emma Roberts, Jack Kilmer (son of Val) and Nat Wolff in the tale.
Here’s the description of the movie from the Telluride festival, where it will premiere: ‘”I think pain only hurts if its prolonged, says one of the half-smart, half-twisted teenagers who wander trance-like though writer-director Gia Coppolas astonishingly assured debut film, which she adapted from a story collection by James Franco. Welcome to the Bizarro John Hughes world; this is a suburban-teen comedy gone all wrong. The kids know everything about sex, substances and suicide, but cant begin to figure out how or what they feel. Emma Roberts leads an unforgettable cast that includes Franco, 17-year-old Jack Kilmer (his father Val plays a supporting role) and Colleen Camp. Autumn Duralds moodily sensuous cinematography is a huge asset, and Ms. Coppolas fluid and confident direction and spot-on insights make this one of the most arresting and persuasive depictions of 21st-century American teenage experience yet put on film.’