* James Franco has a couple of....ummm, "controversial" films playing at Sundance over the next few days, Kink and Interior. Leather Bar. Franco perhaps more than any other has found a perfect balance between the experimental and the stuff that fills his bank account, but the next project he just lined up falls somewhere in between. Franco will direct and star in Beautiful People, a biopic on 1960s Hollywood hairstylist, Jay Sebring. Sebring was tragically murdered, along with Sharon Tate and others, by Charles Manson's followers. So add this to Franco's lengthy slate of upcoming projects, which includes Oz the Great and Powerful, and directing Cormac McCarthy's Child of God. [Deadline]
* How long will it be before we see Paul Dano (There Must Be Blood, Ruby Sparks) up on that stage accepting an Academy Award? He's been great in practically everything for a few years, and his time may finally be coming. He's set to play the young version of Beach Boys lead Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy, the long-developing film written by Oren Moverman(The Messenger). Directed by Bill Pohlad, the story will cover his rise to fame alongside the legendary band, as well as the mental health problems that nearly destroyed him. They've obtained the complete life rights from Wilson himself, so expect a pretty thorough examination. An actor to play the older version of Wilson is still being sought. As if all that wasn't enough, Atticus Ross(The Social Network) will provide the music. [THR]
* It's clear that James Ponsoldt loves the Sundance Film Festival, and the festival loves him back. He made his big splash last year directing the alcoholism drama, Smashed, and is back this year with the teen romance The Spectacular Now. For his next project, he'll write and direct an adaptation of Pure, the YA novel by Julianna Baggot. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, humanity is divided into two societies: the Pures who live healthy and untouched under The Dome; and the Wretches who exist outside of it scratching to survive amongst the ruins. The first of a planned trilogy, expect this one to be next on Ponsoldt's list.
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