America’s most enigmatic artist-alien has maybe outdone himself this time. James Franco now has a movie blog on Indiewire where he and what he calls his “reverse self,” Semaj, can speak about movies together. In Franco’s own words:

This is a column where James Franco talks to his reverse self, Semaj, about new films. Rather than a conventional review, it is a place where James and Semaj can muse about ideas that the films provoke. James loves going to the movies and talking about them, but a one-sided take on a movie, in print, might be misconstrued as a review. As someone in the industry it could be detrimental to James’s career if he were to review his peers, because unlike the book industry — where writers review other writer’s books — the film industry is highly collaborative, and a bad review of a peer could create problems. So, assume that James (and Semaj) love all these films. What they’re interested in talking about is all the ways the films inspire them, and make them think. James is me, and Semaj is the other side of me.

Some real high-level thinking here, with an oddly transparent concern for reputation that seemed to be absent during some of his other more recent ventures.

Well, James Franco, I have a degree in poetry too, so for more insight, I turned to my own “reverse self,” Elocin, to discuss said column.

Nicole: In Franco’s first post, he discusses horror film Goodnight Mommy with Semaj, but it really just reads like an essay because James and Semaj don’t really disagree on anything. So what was the point of that format?

Elocin: James Franco was very broody in Spider-Man, and I liked that.

Nicole: Sure. But don’t you think it seems like Franco just wanted some type of controlled interview environment where he could set himself up to make intelligent observations about film?

Elocin: In Spring Breakers he is violent and his teeth are shiny. But I still thought he was cute.

Nicole: Elocin, focus. Did you laugh at the joke where Semaj, who is not real, begs James not to reveal any spoilers, or when James reveals he loved The Notebook because it was “Gosling and McAdams at their sexiest”?

Elocin: Bravery is what is sexy, which is why 127 Hours is a film I love. Good job, James.

Nicole: You’re useless.

Well, there you have it. I had to fire my own “reverse self” because she’s a fake entity without unique opinions, but I’ve got a feeling Semaj will be around for a long time. Let’s hope we get some of his opinions in Franco’s forthcoming book on Lana Del Rey.

Soruce