It’s amazing what one film role and a few award nominations can do for your career. Until the release of Milk (our review) last year, James Franco was considered by most, myself not included, a pretty face with little talent. I’d spotted a spark in a few earlier performances but with each new film, Franco seemed to be falling deeper into the hole of heartthrob but after his scene stealing turn as Sean Penn’s lover, the film buffs started to take note. Thankfully, it seems that Franco is taking the new opportunities in stride.

Franco was recently cast in Howl, an adaptation of Allen Ginsberg’s life (of which the first image has surfaced and though it doesn’t reveal much, I do like the look of the characters) and news today is that Franco has also signed on to In Praise of Shadows which was written and will be directed by Jay Anania, an up-and-comer who as of yet, has nothing of note under his belt.

The indie drama stars Franco as William Vincent, an eccentric man who after four years of absence, returns to New York City to save the woman he loves from a crime syndicate. Not exactly heart pounding stuff here but I have faith that Franco has turned the page from heartthrob to actor; fingers crossed that this project has more going for it than this mediocre idea.