At Italy's Torino Film Festival, James Franco received the Stella della Mole award and discussed his Oscar-nominated performance in Danny Boyle's '127 Hours.' The actor shared insights into the film's challenging production and his personal obsession with cinema. Franco highlighted how the project was initially doubted by many but became a dynamic biographical drama.
Event Overview
James Franco appeared at the Torino Film Festival on November 28, 2025, where he was honored with the Stella della Mole award. During the event, he reflected on his role in the 2010 biographical drama '127 Hours,' directed by Danny Boyle. The film depicts the true story of Aron Ralston, who became trapped by a boulder in a Utah canyon and ultimately amputated his own arm to escape.
Franco revealed that the project faced significant skepticism early on. 'Danny wanted to make it but nobody else on his team did. Everyone said it would be a disaster,' he said. The discovery that Ralston had recorded himself with a video camera provided a narrative breakthrough, allowing the character to externalize his thoughts rather than remain silent.
Production Challenges
Franco described the film's unique structure as a departure from typical movies, featuring a single character with no other actors for interaction. 'It was different to anything else I’ve ever done as an actor,' he noted. Despite the isolation, Franco praised its energy: 'It feels like an action film,' with interplay between the character, environment, himself, death, and the camera.
His initial meeting with Boyle was awkward, but Franco's experience on the soap opera 'General Hospital'—where he shot 80-90 pages daily—helped him memorize a key monologue. During filming, Boyle instructed Franco to simulate Ralston's entrapment intensely, leading to a 25-minute unbroken scene that left him exhausted and sweaty.
Personal Reflections and Career
The performance earned Franco his only Academy Award nomination, which he called 'so impactful' and overwhelming at the time. Looking back, Franco admitted to past overwork driven by his love for cinema: 'I love movies so much... I can become really obsessive.' He has since learned the value of balance and has upcoming projects like Vincent Gallo's 'Golden State Killer' and his directorial effort 'The Long Home.'
Franco's comments underscore the film's innovative approach and his commitment, marking a pivotal moment in his career amid recent controversies.