Thursday, April 3, 2014

Gia Coppola's 'Palo Alto' Poster & Trailer

If you don't know who Gia Coppola is already, you will very soon. Her last name sound a bit familiar? That's right, she is part of the legendary Coppola clan and is taking the same footsteps of her grandfather Francis Ford Coppola and aunt Sofia Coppola. She started out making short films for one of my favorite brands, Opening Ceremony which starred Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman (Of course, keep it in the family) and went on doing more with Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Palo Alto will be her directorial debut which is an adaptation of James Franco's short story collection of the same name. This high school drama has an interconnected narrative that surrounds the forbidden relationship between soccer player April (Emma Roberts) and her coach Mr B. (James Franco) who is a single father. Obviously, we all know where this will go. I was a bit apprehensive about hearing this because it seems like the ultimate collaboration of indie hipster celebrities and wasn't sure if the materials were going to be even worthy (maybe just my jealousy talkin'). But after watching the trailer, I am swooning with angst and teenage puppy mushy feelings that is very reminiscent of The Virgin Suicides. I am now incredibly intrigued by the film as it not only stars Franco and Roberts but also Val Kilmer (WUUUT?)

It's interesting to see the trailer now after hearing James Franco's slight scandal of trying to hook up with a 17-year old girl. But I can't help but wonder if this is all just a perfectly executed stunt to promote Palo Alto. Or if Franco really is just infatuated with young females as it is a story he wrote in his book. Either or, I could care less about Franco's personal life and I'm sure girls are smart enough to say no when it's necessary or I can hope (EKK!) Palo Alto will be released in limited theaters on May 9.