Normally, Movieline wouldn't report on a music video by a novelty act called Kalup and Franco, but I regret to inform you that the "Franco" in this case is the Oscar-nominated, Oscar-ruining James Franco. In the first video from their new EP Turn It Up, Franco and his faithful drag-act friend Kalup Linzy use an innovative green-screen technique that reminds me of such revolutionary cinema as Prince's "Raspberry Beret." Now, Kalup is the true "star" of this clip, but the ethereal shots of Franco in the background may bewitch your mouth-breathing adolescent self.
All I can say is I'm glad it's not another tribute to James Franco, Rebel Without a Cause, or anything else that people love for no reason other than great hair. "Rising" definitely adds another layer of filth to the self-consciously arty shtick Franco's been working for the past five years, and I think we're about through with that phase, right? It's like Franco's still doing his best to disassociate himself from any sincerity he conveyed in Freaks and Geeks and replace it with more jerry-built mystique. Well, sporto, I'll cherish Freaks and Geeks forever, so too bad. My memories persevere! They are rising!
[via Vulture]