James Franco's Elle fashion spread bashed by critics

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James Franco's Elle fashion spread didn't impress photography critics.

Has James Franco finally overreached?�

The acclaimed actor and creative dilettante's recent attempt at fashion photography for Elle magazine got an E for effort from critics ? but little else.

"I certainly appreciate his energy and his ambition," Stephen Frailey, the BFA Photography Department chair at School of Visual Arts, told StyleList. "But [his photos] lack originality. They're very familiar, both in terms of style and narrative."

Frailey wasn't impressed with Franco's attempt at creating a "Rebel without a Cause" theme in his photos.

"He hasn't really found his voice," Frailey said "It's like amateurish acting, if you're supposed to play a rebellious character you come out on stage in a leather jacket and sunglasses, as opposed to finding something of substance and authenticity."

James Franco photographs model Agyness Deyn for Elle.

Art critic Aimee Walleston had kinder words for the actor, who counts directing, writing, painting, conceptual performance art and academia among his pursuits.

"I love that he's using his intellect and creativity to make art," she said. "It is such an important gesture and the perfect antidote to reality TV culture's fame for fame's sake."

Source: http://feeds.nydailynews.com/~r/nydnrss/gossip/~3/l3EC_5aLJdU/2011-06-16_james_franco_elle_fashion_photographer_actors_photo_spread_gets_bashed_by_critic.html

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