James Franco Shines In First ‘As I Lay Dying’ Trailer

Adaptations are always risky business for lovers of the written word. While Hollywood may see the built-in audience as a quick way to cash in on a popular title, followers of a series often view Hollywood’s move to snatch up new and old titles as the beginning phase of a future bastardization. Take The Great Gatsby for instance, the film currently sits on Rotten Tomatoes at 49%, essentially splitting critics in two, yet it somehow managed to earn $50 million in its opening weekend. Whether or not its success continues is anyone’s bet, but numbers like that are all studios need to know even mediocre reinterpretations can equal big business at the multiplex.

One of the next literary classics to be given the Hollywood redo is Faulkner’s 1930 classic As I Lay Dying. Starring James Franco as the male lead, it is the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her family’s quest to honor her wish to be buried in the nearby town of Jefferson. Many of our staffers had to read this book in high school, while others of us fell in love with it on our own terms, but so far it seems everyone is on board with the film’s first trailer. You can view the footage after the jump.

Not to hate on Gatsby some more, but there is no better example in my mind of a recent film whose trailer was deceptively better than the final product. I’m not saying that will be the case with As I Lay Dying, but let’s just say my recent disappointment is dampening my ability to be as excited for this film as I would like. Still, I’m sold on seeing more (and paying to do so if necessary). Comment below and let us know if As I Lay Dying is now on your “most anticipated” list and stay tuned for release information in the coming weeks.

James Shotwell
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2 Responses to “James Franco Shines In First ‘As I Lay Dying’ Trailer”

  1. James Powers says:

    I thought when I clicked on this james franco was going to be the new frontman in As i lay dying

  2. Frank Tricker says:

    He has come a long way since all the dui stuff. With 10,000 killed each year http://zautos.com/dui-fast-facts/ I wish he would speak out on the subject.
    It’s nice to see he made it out but he could spend more time giving back.