In the movie In Praise of Shadows, the main character, William Vincent, is thrust into the world of the underground and deals with a criminal organization in New York City. The story is about someone who returns to his old city only to find it unwelcome in the sense that it gives him a big problem to solve. But of course, that's where the entertainment begins.

The movie is scripted and directed by Jay Anania, who worked with Franco at the NYU Film School, where the Spider-Man star just finished his first year. Franco also just completed his Master's degree in English at Columbia University. That degree will likely be a big help to him in penning movies later in his career if he plans to branch from acting - dishing out superb stories and dialogue.

According to movie news, In Praise of Shadows has Franco playing a character who has no other option but to save his beloved from the clutches of evil people. It sounds like a cliche video game story. Yes, it's a tried and tested storyline, but no matter how basic and overused, Franco still signed up. Liam Neeson already did a similar story with "Taken" and now, it's James Franco's turn. Director Anania heads the NYU directing program and likely proposed the movie during Franco's stay at the university. He is also behind the movies Day on Fire, Her Name Is Carla, and Long Time Since.

In Praise of Shadows is really a low-budget independent drama movie with some expected action and suspense and probably zero special effects. The film is currently in preproduction and filming is expected to begin mid-June (2009). Franco plans to finish shooting the movie quickly and in time for the big-budgeted comedy, Your Highness. In Praise of Shadows is not to be confused with the book on aesthetics by Japanese novelist Jun'ichiro Tanizaki.