Chapter 681: The Multi-Talented First Person

Since devising the 'viral marketing' plan last year, Murphy knew that "Dark City" would need to create personal publicity highlights. Henry Cavill, Margot Robbie, and James Franco were the film's absolute leads and the most suitable for generating buzz.

Henry Cavill's acting was average, with few roles outside Chris Danner, and his introverted personality lacked talking points. Margot Robbie, being non-American, had limited influence in North America...

So, the final target fell on James Franco.

Of course, James Franco was Murphy's close friend, and he wouldn't go so far as to create a death-related publicity stunt.

While it wouldn't have the same impact as Heath Ledger's death, James Franco had plenty of newsworthy potential.

In mid-April, an article about James Franco started circulating online and was soon reprinted by numerous print media.

"Hollywood Eccentric James Franco, The Most Multi-Talented Man!"

Murphy personally came up with the title for the article, originally thinking of "Most Unfocused Man," but changed it for better publicity impact.

"He is considered the reincarnation of James Dean, the lover of serious political activist Milk, and a resilient climber, a true man... He is James Franco, a famous Hollywood star. But besides being an actor, he has multiple identities and is a fascinating eccentric."

"James Franco's talents in various fields make him a focal point and place him at the center of storms, but he seems unfazed: 'If I can do many things well at once, why do people question it?' Murphy Stanton once said that being a star is just a regular mask he wears for Hollywood's glamorous world, while beneath this mask lies the soul of an ever-pursuing artistic youth."

This article, crafted by CAA's PR team, showcased James Franco's lesser-known talents.

"Actor James Franco!"

"James Franco is perhaps best known as an actor. From the rumored prince charming to a wandering addict avoiding family; from a struggling prostitute to a resilient climber... He navigates commercial blockbusters and independent art films, mastering a variety of roles."

"His outstanding performance in the biopic 'James Dean' earned him a Golden Globe. Many magazines then hailed him as 'the contemporary James Dean,' with some even exaggerating, saying, 'We finally know where Dean's soul went, it resides in James Franco.'"

"As a method actor, James Franco spares no effort in living his roles, taking even minor roles seriously. He once entered a strip gay bar to experience a role, wandered the chaotic streets among the homeless, only to be chased away by real homeless people... Though some of these became films he prefers not to mention."

"Even if the role isn't something I love, it's my job, and I have to do it well to make it worthwhile! This is James Franco's philosophy. Friend Seth Rogen once said, half-jokingly, that Franco takes his less favored roles too seriously."

To prevent over-hyping and causing reader backlash, the article didn't overly focus on Murphy or his films.

Drawing attention to James Franco naturally led to interest in his works, which was sufficient.

"Director James Franco!"

"As a director, Franco might even prefer this role over acting, finding it full of freedom and creativity. His first self-written, directed, and acted film was 2005's 'Fool's Gold.' However, it was 2007's 'Good Time Max' that brought him attention as a director. This film about two brilliant brothers taking divergent paths premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, marking the beginning of his directing career."

"Franco has always dreamed of directing. Who wouldn't want to be a director? With unique insights into film roles, he feels the need for a larger stage than acting provides. His master's degree from NYU focused on film, and thanks to this course, he has made many short films."

"Franco's films, ranging from shorts to full-length movies, documentaries, narratives to biopics, are all low-budget. He believes directing allows him to make films he truly cares about without worrying about funding or marketing, unlike commercial films. Small films are what he can afford and what can convey his thoughts and ideas, acting as a stage for his mind and soul. He hopes these films can inspire artistically without other considerations."

"Student James Franco: Charging Amidst Controversy!"

"As a student, Franco is undoubtedly outstanding. Apart from hosting the Oscars, his biggest regret was dropping out of UCLA. The entertainment industry felt like a wonderful dream, but soon he realized it didn't make him feel complete."

"So in 2006, tired of being just an actor and seeking a breakthrough, he resumed his studies. Despite many accusing him of showboating, he took 62 credits in one semester, three times the normal requirement, and silenced the critics. He completed a three-year course in just over two years and gave a speech at the graduation ceremony as an outstanding student."

"Since then, Franco seemed addicted to studying. He has earned master's degrees from NYU, Columbia University, and Brooklyn College. Currently, he's pursuing a digital media degree at the Rhode Island School of Design and working towards a PhD in English at Yale. He's also about to start a creative writing PhD at the University of Houston, selected from 400 candidates, with only 20 admissions."

Though the article was somewhat exaggerated, it was based on facts. If it contained too much falsehood, it would cause backlash and have the opposite effect.

"Professor James Franco: The Podium and the Stage Equally Important!"

"Many fans affectionately call him Professor Franco, not as a nickname but as an actual title. Early last year, when he was set to teach at NYU, everyone was shocked. But NYU was delighted with the decision. They believed Franco, as an outstanding alumnus, could impart his knowledge to the next generation."

"The third-year directing course began last fall. Professor Franco said he would have students direct films based on poetry. Despite his tight schedule, he made time to teach, using Skype and other tools to monitor students' progress. The students were very satisfied with this star professor."

"Painter James Franco!"

"It's no secret that Franco can paint. Painting has been his greatest passion since high school. He says it helps relieve stress. Acting requires collaboration, but painting allows total immersion. His works were first exhibited in LA's Glu Gallery in 2006, and he had a solo exhibition in Berlin in 2011. That same year, he held an art show in New York titled 'The Dangerous Book Four Boys,' which received high praise from art critics."

"Photographer James Franco: A Ticket to Play!"

"Photography isn't just a hobby for Franco. His art exhibitions include his own photos. This year, he shot a series for Elle magazine using a top 1972 Canon 8mm film camera. Unlike his heavy-themed films and novels, his photography is surprisingly light and natural, possibly influenced by a photographer friend."

The article was full of praise for James Franco, calling him Hollywood's most multi-talented person. However, to Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen, Franco spread himself too thin, to the point of being unfocused, affecting his acting career.

But such comments wouldn't be disclosed publicly, so in media promotions, even Franco's quirkiest side was portrayed as artistic.

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