James Franco plays a crazy actor named James in weird trailer for Maladies

February 5th 2014, 11:49am

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

In his latest art film effort, MALADIES, James Franco portrays a former soap star named James (natch!) who is struggling to become a writer and also with falling over in stores. He's joined by a solid blend of co-stars, including David Strathairn, Catherine Keener, Alan Cumming, and Fallon Goodson, who all help contribute to the oddity that is this trailer, which definitely fits in the long list of "art school" projects Franco tends to do in-between his more well-known films.

Check out the weird:

Here's the synopsis:

A daring new film from internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Carter, MALADIES charts the struggles of an unstable former soap opera star (James Franco) in 1960's New York as he tries to restart his floundering creative career. Hoping to find clarity and new purpose as a writer, he holes up with his eccentric sister (Fallon Goodson) at the seaside home of their best friend (Catherine Keener). But as he disappears further into his own mind, reality begins to slip through his grasp. Featuring an award-winning ensemble, including David Strathairn and Alan Cumming, MALADIES is a heartfelt but defiantly unconventional exploration of the creative mind.

The flick is directed by multimedia artist, Carter, who previously worked with Franco in the "art film" ERASED JAMES FRANCO, which had the actor "'re-enact' every television and film performance from his entire career" (Does that include SPIDER-MAN 3?). Strange. But, y'know, that's what's interesting about Franco. He's kind of a lunatic, but it's like he's in on it. He's slowly turning into the arthouse Nicolas Cage in that respect, which is a little bit fascinating. He's likeable, funny, and just a bit off his rocker, which seems to be working out just fine for the actor.

MALADIES will open in select theaters beginning March 21, 2014 and will be available nationwide on VOD and iTunes on March 25, 2014.