James Franco’s ‘Hey Joe’ to premiere at Rome Film Festival
A post-war drama set in Naples
James Franco is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest film, Hey Joe, which will have its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival next month. This gritty drama, directed by Claudio Giovannesi, known for his work on the Gomorrah TV series and Piranhas, promises to be a compelling addition to the festival’s lineup.
The story of Dean Barry
In Hey Joe, Franco takes on the role of Dean Barry, a U.S. Navy sailor who finds himself in the war-torn city of Naples in 1944. At just 23 years old, Dean disembarks in a city ravaged by conflict and falls in love with a local woman named Lucia. Their romance, however, is short-lived as Dean is forced to return to New Jersey, leaving Lucia alone and pregnant. Years later, Dean returns to Naples to find Lucia and their son, Enzo, only to discover that the city has changed dramatically. The film navigates Dean’s challenges and culminates in a surprising finale.
A blend of languages and cultures
One of the unique aspects of Hey Joe is Franco’s ability to speak both English and Italian in the film, adding an authentic touch to his portrayal of Dean Barry. This bilingual performance is sure to resonate with audiences and highlight the cultural nuances of the story.
Franco’s return to the big screen
Once a prominent figure in Hollywood, Franco has recently been taking on roles outside of the U.S. following a now-settled 2019 lawsuit. His return to film earlier this year with the French action-thriller The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure marked his comeback, and Hey Joe continues this trend of international projects.
A collaboration of talents
The screenplay for Hey Joe is a collaboration between Giovannesi and Maurizio Braucci, a renowned Neapolitan writer who previously worked with Giovannesi on Piranhas. This previous collaboration won the Berlin Film Festival’s 2019 Silver Bear for best screenplay, setting high expectations for their latest project.
A stellar cast
The film’s cast includes Francesco Di Napoli from Piranhas, Giulia Ercolini, Aniello Arena known for Reality and Fiore, and Francesca Montuori from My Brilliant Friend. This ensemble of talented actors is sure to bring depth and authenticity to the story.
The Rome Film Festival
The 19th edition of the Rome Film Festival will run from October 16-27, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world. Hey Joe is expected to be one of the highlights of the festival, drawing attention from cinema enthusiasts and critics alike.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, the anticipation for Hey Joe is palpable. The combination of Franco’s return to the screen, Giovannesi’s directorial prowess, and the rich historical backdrop of post-war Naples creates a promising narrative. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time is likely to resonate deeply with audiences.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer for Hey Joe here.
Final thoughts
Hey Joe is more than just a film; it’s a journey through time, culture, and human emotions. With its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of cinema. Whether you’re a fan of Franco, Giovannesi, or simply love a good drama, Hey Joe is a must-watch.
For more information on the Rome Film Festival and its lineup, be sure to check out their official website.