Actors Anonymous is a 2017 feature film adaptation of James Franco's novel of the same name (Actors Anonymous). The film explores the complex lives of two young actors pursuing stardom in Hollywood while struggling to escape their past.[1][2] The ensemble cast includes James Franco, Eric Roberts, Emma Rigby, Scott Haze, Jake Robbins, Carmen Argenziano, and Horatio Sanz.[3][4][5]
| Actors Anonymous | |
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| Written by |
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| Based on | Actors Anonymous by James Franco |
| Produced by |
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| Distributed by | Front Row Filmed Entertainment |
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Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Produced by Rabbi Bandini Productions and Elysium Bandini Studios in collaboration with grad students at USC's School of Cinematic Arts,[6][7] the film premiered at Cinequest[8] and subsequently screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival.[9]
Cast
edit- Scott Haze as Sean
- Jake Robbins as Ben
- James Franco as Jake Lamont
- Eric Roberts as Sonny
- Emma Rigby as Bree
- Keegan Allen as Trey
- Horatio Sanz as Juan
- Carmen Argenziano as Mr. Smithson
- Cynthia Murell as Maggie
- Brit Manor as Karen
- Steve Bannos as Marco
- Kimberli Flores as Sabrina
Production
editActors Anonymous had an unconventional development process, crafted by a collective of eight writers and twelve directors, all graduate students at USC's School of Cinematic Arts.[10][11][12] The project was supervised by John Watson, with James Franco playing a pivotal role not only as a cast member but also in a mentorship capacity.[13][14][15]
Writers
- Elizabeth Eccher
- Nathan Ellis
- Matthew Halla
- Kaela Rae Jensen
- Josh Litman
- Theodore Martland
- Alex Parslow
- Osahon Tongo
Directors
- Melanie Aitkenhead
- Abi Damaris Corbin
- Shaun Duffy
- Justin S. Lee
- Kelly Luu
- Kevin Luu
- Jess Maldaner
- Leandro Tadashi
- Juel Taylor
- Jay Wolff
- Kerry Yang
- Julio Vincent Gambuto
Reception
editSi Si Penaloza of Jetset Magazine attributed the film's conceptual coherence to "razor sharp film editing and a savvy checks and balances system between multiple directors."[16]
Crossfader Magazine's Sergio Zaciu described the film as reminiscent of "La La Land, sans the glamor, and an absolutely gut-wrenching portrayal of loss, heartbreak, and defeat." He added that while "it isn't the most polished outing" and "the production value can seesaw between potent indie and flat lo-fi," as a launching pad for hopeful directors, "it succeeds with flying colors."[17]
Novel
editPublished by Little A/New Harvest in 2013, Actors Anonymous is a novel by American author and actor James Franco that serves as the basis for the 2017 film adaptation.[18][19] Comprising a series of interconnected short stories, the novel delves into the lives of actors in Los Angeles, structuring its chapters around the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.[20][21][22]
Some actors that appeared in the book trailer also had roles in the 2017 film, such as Jim Parrack and Scott Haze.[23][24]
References
edit- ^ Aitkenhead, Melanie; Corbin, Abi Damaris; Duffy, Shaun (2017-03-05), Actors Anonymous (Drama), Scott Haze, Jake Robbins, James Franco, Elysium Bandini Studios, RabbitBandini Productions, retrieved 2024-03-05
- ^ Actors Anonymous (2017). Retrieved 2024-03-28 – via letterboxd.com.
- ^ Raup, Jordan (2015-03-23). "Exclusive: First Images From Adaptation of James Franco's 'Actors Anonymous'". Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Actors Anonymous (2017). Retrieved 2024-03-28 – via www.blu-ray.com.
- ^ "Actors Anonymous (2017) – Movie". Moviefone. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ Penaloza, Si Si (2017-04-29). "The Newport Beach Film Festival Goes Deeper". JetsetMag.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ copland, ruth (2017-04-15). "Arts Interview: Chris Abernathy, Jake Robbins and Tim Astor from 'Actors Anonymous' Cinequest World Premiere Film". It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Myers, Randy (2017-02-27). "Cinequest 2017: Don't miss these films at San Jose's huge fest". The Mercury News. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Staff, Crossfader (2017-04-30). "Newport Beach Film Festival 2017 Coverage". Crossfader. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ "James Franco set to produce unexpected TV movie". CTVNews. 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Insights, Stories & (2023-08-03). "Meet Josh Litman". CanvasRebel Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Bawiec, Peter (2016-07-16). "Actors Anonymous". peterbawiec. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Penaloza, Si Si (2017-04-29). "The Newport Beach Film Festival Goes Deeper". JetsetMag.com. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ "Post". frontlineviews. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Radio, Southern California Public (2015-03-10). "James Franco's USC filmmaking class breaks ground by, you know, making a movie". Southern California Public Radio. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ Penaloza, Si Si (2017-04-29). "The Newport Beach Film Festival Goes Deeper". JetsetMag.com. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ Staff, Crossfader (2017-04-30). "Newport Beach Film Festival 2017 Coverage". Crossfader. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ "'Actors Anonymous' book review: James Franco's debut favours self-indulgence over story : Hypable". Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ Longworth, Karina (2013-10-11). "Why Do People Get So Angry When James Franco Writes Books?". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ "Book review: James Franco's 'Actors Anonymous'". Washington Post. 2023-05-17. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ "James Franco Wrote A Book, "Actor Anonymous," And Made A Pretentious Book Trailer To Go With It: WATCH". www.logotv.com. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ Hoby, Hermione (2013-12-13). "Actors Anonymous by James Franco – review". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ "See James Franco's book trailer for his novel 'Actors Anonymous'". EW.com. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ ▶️ Actors Anonymous. Retrieved 2024-03-28 – via www.imdb.com.