james franco be totally cool in this movie . not just handsome and charismatic but genuinely open and vulnerable in a sincere kind of way . at the tristan screen some folk be on his back for be pouty and sullen and do the whole james dean thing but i do not think this true . blind spot be proof positive of his tremendous talent . in this film he carry himself with a different sort of weight entirely . it a unique performance . bittersweet and really move . the line from his journal cut you like a knife . you sense a sharp intelligence of observation behind his word . the tone be everything . he carry it through the action and suspense as well a the grim bit of gallows humor . i like the other two actor a great deal too . the blonde girl be totally gorgeous and the man be hysterical in his twisted tough guy stoicism . some of the thug seem a little sketchy but this be a mini point really . the film be totally solid and franco be way cool all around .