Today is James’ 33rd Birthday

Happy Birthday James Franco, my longtime family celebrity “faux” friend!

Speaking of which, I may be going to visit family in Cleveland, Ohio this weekend. Maybe this will finally be the time I get to meet James’ grandma, Mitzie Verne. Sure, it is some real last-minute planning, and for an older woman, Mrs. Verne always seems to have something planned, but I am still hopeful. Perhaps this will be the time we can finally meet.

Although in the meantime, let’s celebrate her grandson, James. Today he turns 33 years young. Happy Birthday to him!

127 Hours is a Top Thrill

Last Friday I finally got around to seeing the movie, 127 Hours. I had to go by myself, which I was not necessarily looking forward to, especially after hearing accounts of people who fainted or had seizures from seeing the movie. My mom thought I was even making a potentially dangerous decision by going alone, but I assured her I’d be fine. And was I ever!

The experience of seeing, 127 Hours was very much like riding on an amazing roller coaster. I equated it to my first time riding, Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, which was definitely one of the best roller coasters I’ve been on. Even though the last time I went on this roller coaster hasn’t been for years, it was still extremely memorable.

In both instances, you know what awaits you and yet, the wait is half the thrill of the ride. With the roller coaster, you can see the entire ride. Basically the whole ride is a drop with a corkscrew turn as you come down. It’s simple yet extreme. With the movie, everyone already knows the plot and the main conflict, which is also the main draw to the storyline. You know that James Franco’s character gets his arm pinned under a boulder and has to cut his arm off to survive. No tricks or gimmicks, just raw intensity. Just check out the magnitude of these two images:

127 Hours

Top Thrill Dragster

Waiting in line for this roller coaster was pretty agonizing for me. The wait was similar to sitting in the theater during the previews for the movie. In both cases you aren’t exactly experiencing what you came for, but you have already committed yourself. Except, you still have a chance to duck out. You can still leave if you want to, but you stay because the anticipation is winning you over with excitement. Then the movie finally begins. I was so thrilled. I had heard about this movie weeks before it came out, and could not wait to get my chance to experience the movie. While I did not necessarily have prior knowledge about the Top Thrill Dragster before riding it, I was really looking forward to the ride. In both cases, I could not contain my nervous excitement.

From the time the movie begins, you are taken on a wild ride. I commend Danny Boyle on the opening sequence which immediately grabs your attention with the use of a catchy song and constantly changing camera angles and masterful cinematography. This opening sequence very much reminded me of his recent award-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire. Although you know the first part of the movie is just leading up to the climax, Boyle does a fantastic job keeping you in the moment and focusing on what happens in the lead-up. The opening part to Top Thrill Dragster is equally rapturing. First there’s the unexpected boost which bolts you into the ride, much like the immediate grasp Boyle uses to bring the viewer into the movie. The first half of this ride is the boost up a steep, 90 degree angle slope. While this of course goes by in a matter of seconds, and the first part of movie lasts longer, the journey is the same: just an entertaining means to get you to the climax.

And then you reach the top of the coaster; the rock falls on Aron Ralston’s arm. You are at the point of no return and you just take the plunge. The trip down is amazing and unforgettable. You will not forget the pain Aron Ralston must endure, just like you will not forget the charge you feel on the ride back down to earth.  When you step off the ride; as you leave the theater, you reflect on how amazing the adventure was. You are still high on the amazing trip you just experienced.

On the way down.

Unlike with Top Thrill Dragster, where I only felt two emotions: happiness and fright, 127 Hours brought many emotions upon me. There were a number of occasions when the movie was very saddening and made my eyes tear up. But the movie’s masterful balance also brings you to laughter. Even though there were only about 15 people in the movie theater with me, they were a great audience. We collectively laughed at the right moments, and at times of turmoil, you could feel the weight of stress and concern in the room.

James Franco gets pinned.

I also surprised myself with this movie because I was not expecting to actually watch the entire movie. I figured I would overt my eyes during the detailed scene where you actually see Aron Ralston cut his arm off. But I also did not close my eyes on the Top Thrill Dragster, so I guess it was to be expected. However, you have gone through everything with Ralston and almost feel obligated to be there with him. You don’t want to “desert” Ralston any more than he already is. Granted, the scene was pretty gory, and excruciating-looking, but I feel like if I had turned away, I would not have left with the same experience.

The real Aron Ralston, obviously enjoying himself.

This movie left me in such a great mood. I had pretty high expectations for this film and this film went beyond everything I had hoped it would be. The strong emotion that 127 Hours brings, extremely pushes this movie to another level of greatness. The cinematography was not surprisingly strong, as was the acclaimed soundtrack. I also applaud the director’s choice in getting such grand eye candy (James Franco) to play the lead character. Thank you, kind sir! I would definitely recommend this movie for anyone seeking the ride of their life!

The Franco Family Saga Continues…

After my last (exciting) post about going to potentially meet James Franco’s grandma, many people have been sitting, waiting, wishing. I have heard that you all have been anticipating my next blog post as to what happened next. While the most recent happenings may not follow the predictable outcome you are hoping for, I feel like this story line is also good and is more drawn out and suspenseful.

So, I went to Cleveland Saturday morning. I was to call Mitzi Verne upon arrival in the morning to plan out a possible meet-up. I called up Mitzi and she told me that she was only free on Sunday at noon. I was disappointed because I had thought she would be available on Saturday. You see, Saturday was the day I was spending with my grandpa on the side of my family who had the close connection with the Verne’s. I was hoping that I would be able to meet with Mitzi when I was with the side of my family which was relevant to such a visit. I told Mitzi I would have to call her back, since I had to then call up the other side of my family with whom I’d be spending time with on Sunday. After talking to the other side of my family, I decided that Mitzi would unfortunately have to play second fiddle to my own family and original plans I had made. There was what I thought to be a lack of time issue on Sunday, since my flight home was in the early afternoon.

Later Saturday evening I called Mitzi back and told her that unfortunately, I would be unable to meet with her the following day. We were both disappointed. She informed me that she was however, the president of the Official James Franco Fan Club and that instead of getting to meet with her in person, she could send me some (signed?) items from the fan club. I thanked her and excitedly told her my address. (How cute is it that James Franco’s grandma is the head of his own fan club? Love it!)

I then told Mitzi that I was thinking of going back to Cleveland next month so perhaps we could try for that time to meet up. Mitzi asked me what days I would be back and when I told her, she said that she should be free then, since that would be just before she was taking a trip. Apparently this trip involved going to Florida with her daughter and grandson (i.e: James Franco and his mom). After I hung up the phone with Mitzi, I realized that I too, will be going to the same area in Florida at the same time, so wouldn’t it be neat if my family could meet hers? (And thus, I could meet James Franco, himself!)

After getting off the phone with Mitzi, I thought about how it was still pretty disappointing that I was not going to be able to meet with her during the time I was in Cleveland over this past weekend. After some thought and more planning, I figured that there actually would be time for me to see her, so I changed my mind and called her number back. But Mitzi had told me during our last conversation that she was just on her way out, so instead, I got her phone mail. I left her a message saying that I was sorry I kept changing my mind about making plans with her and that if she had not already made plans for Sunday at noon, that perhaps we could revive the original plans to see each other.

I waited all night and the next morning to hear back from Mitzi. Unfortunately she never returned my call. I debated calling her back on Sunday, but I didn’t want to bother her and since we had last concluded that it wasn’t going to work out, I didn’t want to pester her over my going back on my word.

So while, I didn’t actually get to meet Mitzi Verne over the weekend, I wouldn’t call the correspondence thus far, a failure. This way, hopefully we can continue our friendly conversation and I should/will be receiving mail from her too. She does still seem eager to meet me, which is great. It’s nice to know that while I’m excited to see her, the feeling is mutual. It’s also pretty neat that she really does like gushing about her grandson, James. She just sees him as her successful grandson, not as a famous movie star! It’s great and it’s adorable that the family gets along so nicely!

One Away From James Franco

Tomorrow I will possibly be getting to meet James Franco’s grandmother. While I most likely won’t be meeting James, the star himself, I’ll settle for a blood relative. Besides, his grandmother seems pretty cool. I actually talked to her on the phone on Tuesday! But let’s back up for a second. If you didn’t already know, apparently James Franco and I were destined to meet. Just read this as proof. It’s true, James Franco and I have mutual family connections. His grandmother was once friends with my grandmother. We go waaay back, and that’s just pretty cool.

So as I was saying, I got to talk to James Franco’s grandmother, Mitzi Verne the other day. The backstory is that I’m going to Cleveland, Ohio this weekend to see both sides of my family who live there, since I haven’t seen them in a while. I’ll be staying the night with my dad’s dad, who’s first wife happened to be Mitzi Verne’s friend. My grandfather knew I wanted to meet Mitzi Verne for a few reasons (her friendship with my grandmother whom I never met, since she died before I was born, her involvement in the Cleveland arts community, and of course her grandson, famed actor, James Franco) and after some possible planning with her, he finally just gave me her phone number saying that if I wanted to meet her, I’d have to call her and arrange it like an adult.  What?! Who me? Call up James Franco’s grandmother? It was kind of an awkward thing to do, but I really wanted to get a chance to see her, so I did.

 

James Franco and his grandmother, Mitzi Verne

I wrote down what I was going to say to her, so I could sound like I knew what I was saying, and not bumble around searching for words out of nervous excitement. I called her up, kind of hoping she wouldn’t answer so I could leave a collected phone message and say everything I wanted to say. Mitzi Verne picked up the phone. I introduced myself to her, telling her of our family connection and that I was interested in her involvement in the arts, since I was an artist. She told me that a few of the Verne family members have an art gallery, The Verne Gallery in Cleveland that has a fantastic collection of Japanese prints.

And then before I could mention my adoration for her grandson, she beat me to it, telling me how she just got back from the premier of his latest movie, “127 Hours.” Apparently James Franco invites her to all of his premiers. Mitzi was telling me about the premier and about how she got to meet (the real) Aron Ralston, of whom the movie is about and that she did not get to meet Danny Boyle, the film’s director. And that she was very tired from the premier and such. She told me about how people are always asking her if she is proud of her grandson, James and that she is. And that James’ performance in this last movie of his would likely get him an Oscar nomination.

She and I talked for a good almost 10 minutes before she told me she would really enjoy meeting me in person, rather than our “meeting” over the phone. She was really interested in talking to me and wanted to continue our conversation further. She instructed me to give her a call Saturday morning when I arrived in Cleveland and we could try to arrange a meeting. (How exciting!)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So my question is this: what do I ask the grandmother of James Franco? I already have a few questions of my own, but if any of you would like me to ask anything, please let me know! Question ideas are most welcome!

Happy Birthday Long Lost Friend!

Today is my long lost friend’s 32nd birthday!!!!

I’m celebrating by bringing you this, this, this, and for you video-lovers, this.

Have a good one, James!

James Franco And I

C. 23  10/1/09

I discovered over the past few days was that the famous actor, James Franco and I are long-lost family friends.

 

Let me explain…

It turns out that James Franco is half Jewish, although maybe not raised that way. His grandmother on his mother’s side is from Cleveland, Ohio; the same place that both sides of my family are from.

When questioned about James Franco’s grandmother, Mitsy Vern, my mom’s mom said she knew of her. My grandmother told me that she was an arts collector, specifically of African art and masks. The interest in African Art led me to my grandparents on my dad’s side of the family. My dad’s parents are/were very into art, especially from countries like Africa. After a little family research, I discovered that James Franco’s grandmother and my grandmother (my Dad’s “real” mother, before she died of cancer at a young age) were good friends.

So my dad’s mother, Ruth was really good friends with Mitsy. They were buddies in their painting class. I found it exciting to learn that both James Franco and my grandmothers were painters, because both James Franco and I are painters. Actually, Franco has been painting long before he got his career in acting. If my real grandmother hadn’t died so early, then maybe James Franco’s family would have stayed in touch with my family. And then, who knows, maybe I would not only then know James Franco but we could be friends. Shared family friends and shared interest in the visual and theater arts.