Scott Haze

Director and actor James Franco, right, poses with actor Scott Haze  during a red carpet for the movie "Child of God" during the 70th Venice Film Festival in Venice August 31, 2013.

James Franco’s new film explores life through the lens of a violent sociopath

Culture

James Franco’s “Child of God” is dark — and grim. But it also has moments of levity. It was critical, said Franco, who directed and co-wrote the film adaptation, to give audiences permission to laugh, so they would stick with the film despite its dark central character.James Franco’s “Child of God” is dark — and grim. But it also has moments of levity. It was critical, said Franco, who directed and co-wrote the film adaptation, to give audiences permission to laugh, so they would stick with the film despite its dark central character.