James Franco to star and direct Shel Silverstein biopic

December 1st 2017, 3:27pm

Shel Silverstein's book of children's poems, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, was a mainstay in all the elementary schools I went to. So, because of that, I have many fond memories of reading through the poems and looking at the crude but unique drawings accompanying them with my friends, laughing our little heads off (especially the poem "Hat"). That fact makes it all the more exciting for me to hear that the author of those fond memories will be getting a biopic of his own.

And it seems James Franco is going to be directing the film, as well as star as Silverstein. According to Deadline, the film will be based on "the Lisa Rogak book A Boy Named Shel, and it will focus on the personal and professional struggles that made Silverstein a unique voice." Sounds pretty standard, but hopefully Franco can add something unique to it (maybe incorporate the artwork into the film, ala AMERICAN SPLENDOR?)

Now, I am of two minds on this. Prior to THE DISASTER ARTIST, I'd be very wary, as Franco's previous directorial output – while certainly varied and ambitious – were not particularly encouraging. However, post THE DISASTER ARTIST? Color me intrigued. And, when he tries, Franco is a pretty impressive performer as well, so this certainly has the potential to be something special. I'm optimistic.