James Franco Wants To Film Real Gangs At War

  • 28 February 2011

Oscar-nominated actor-turned-filmmaker James Franco is planning to shoot a real knife fight between two Los Angeles gangs as part of his next movie project.
The 127 Hours star is teaming up with director Harmony Korine to go underground for the forthcoming film and they are hoping to catch some real-life street action for the movie's climax.
But their gritty vision for the project has worried producers.
A source tells the New York Post's Page Six column, "They are looking to film two actual street gangs doing a fight scene. The twist is they want the two gangs to fight, using real knives. The production team is panicked that they’ll end up with blood, injuries and potentially dead bodies on set."
A representative for Korine has confirmed the joint venture, but has refused to shed light on specific details: "I can confirm that there is indeed a piece of video art in the works involving gang fights by James and Harmony."
Harmony is known for his controversial film work, including 1995 movie Kids, which documented teenage sex and violence, and he gained a cult following with the release of 1997's Gummo, about a group of teen cat killers.