First Trailer for James Franco's Sal Mineo Biopic, 'Sal'

At this point James Franco has about a dozen directing credits to his name, but unless you were really paying attention they would be pretty easy to miss. None of his efforts behind the camera have received a wide release, and Franco seems determined to keep it that way by tackling projects designed for the art house. When he's not taking on challenging adaptations of literary classics he's developing biopics on people many have forgotten but are clearly an influence on Franco's career.

In 2011 Franco hit the Venice Film Festival with Sal, based on the life of 1950s teen heartthrob Sal Mineo. Starring Val Lauren in the title role, the film centers on Mineo's career, becoming a top celebrity for his Oscar-nominated roles in Rebel Without A Cause and Exodus. As he got older, Mineo found it harder to land a job, and he sank into obscurity before mounting a late comeback, only to die tragically in a random murder in 1976. He's still known as one of the first major actors to openly admit and embrace his homosexuality.

Tribeca Films has released the first trailer for Sal as they prepare to release it on VOD October 22nd, then a limited theatrical run beginning November 1st.