The reviews are in for the new Broadway production of Of Mice and Men and amid mixed reviews for his lead performance, James Franco has hit out at one critic in a foul-mouthed Instagram post.
Franco appears alongside Bridesmaid star Chris O'Dowd in the anticipated Broadway production of Steinbeck's classic, but with the first round of reviews hitting the press today, James has taken issue with one particular write-up.
The actor responded to the New York Times review, taking to Instagram this morning to slam the writer Ben Brantley's evaluation.
James Franco and Chris O'Dowd have received mixed reviews for Of Mice And Men (Joseph Marzullo/Wenn)
Despite Brantley's review not actually being that negative (though he does say Franco is "often understated to the point of near invisibility") the actor still wasn't happy.
In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Franco uploaded a photo with a caption that promoted Variety's favorable review and insulted Brantley, calling the writer a "little b**ch"
"SADLY BEN BRANTLEY AND THE NYT HAVE EMBARASSED THEMSELVES. BRANTLEY IS SUCH A LITTLE B**CH HE SHOULD BE WORKING FOR GAWKER.COM INSTEAD OF THE PAPER OF RECORD. THE THEATRE COMMUNITY HATES HIM, and for good reason, HE's an idiot", the nearly all-caps caption reads."
James' original Instagram post
In an apparent change of heart the actor has since taken down the post, reposting the same photo without the rant caption, but not before hundreds had got a screenshot of the original.
Generally the production of Of Mice and Men has received positive reviews, but Franco's lead performance has come under fire from some, with the LA Times writing:
"Franco delivers a performance that is the equivalent of a term paper on John Steinbeck's 1937 novella written the night before it was due with help from a double-shot of energy drink".
The Telegraph adds: "O'Dowd slides more easily into Steinbeck's rhythm than Franco, who crackles with intensity in some scenes but who initially gives a strained, over-exerted performance. It isn't until the pair settle at the ranch that the tangled knot of emotions binding them together feels real".
Variety magazine, who Franco singled out in his Instagram post, have said though that Franco delivers "a performance that's equally honest and beautifully crafted".
James Franco at opening night after party for "Of Mice and Men" held at The Plaza Hotel (Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com)
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