James Franco Eyes Sal Mineo Biopic

James Franco Eyes Sal Mineo Biopic

Movie News

By our guest blogger, Joe Oliveto

After gaining mainstream exposure via the TV show “Freaks and Geeks,” James Franco established himself as a formidably talented actor by portraying Hollywood icon James Dean in a 2001 biopic. Since then, he’s been a continually rising star, directing and writing projects while starring in critically acclaimed films such as “127 Hours” and working toward more graduate degrees than any normal person should ever consider.

It looks as if the busy star may be returning to familiar territory for his next writing/directing gig, with the Hollywood Reporter claiming that he’s set his sights on a biopic of Sal Mineo, who was James Dean’s co-star in “Rebel Without a Cause.”

The film will use the book “Sal Mineo: A Biography” by Michael Gregg Michaud as its primary basis. The text explores aspects of Mineo’s life through observations made by such other Hollywood stars as Dennis Hopper.

Mineo was often confused about his sexuality, dating attractive women but also having male lovers. Franco formerly approached the topic of homosexuality in “Milk,” and we can expect that his work behind the camera will be just as sensitive as his work in front of it.

Although he died young, the victim of murder, Mineo often has been overlooked in historical accounts of Hollywood’s greatest stars. Franco clearly has an admiration for the man and we can hopefully look forward to an informed and thoughtful account of his life.