Hey Joe by Claudio Giovannesi, presented in the "Grand Public" section of the 19th Festa del Cinema di Roma, will be in theaters starting November 28th.
Hey Joe is an authentic story of beauty and homecomings. It follows a father on a quest to find his son, highlighting the evocative cinema of Claudio Giovannesi and the powerful performance of James Franco. The cast also includes Francesco Di Napoli, Aniello Arena, Giulia Ercolini, and Francesca Montuori. Here’s our review.
Hey Joe, The Plot
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, Hey Joe tells the poignant story of Dean Barry (James Franco), an American war veteran haunted by his experiences in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Adrift in life and burdened by his past, everything changes with the arrival of a letter from a son eager to meet him.
Compelled by this unexpected chance for connection, Dean embarks on a journey from the U.S. to Italy. Along the way, he encounters not just language and cultural barriers, but deep emotional ones as well, as both father and son grapple with their shared scars. This transformative journey unfolds in a rugged Naples, a city bruised yet resilient, where love, against all odds, finds a way to take root.
Hey Joe, The Review
The message behind Hey Joe echoes a sentiment James Franco shared at the Rome Film Fest premiere: “No matter how low life takes you, there’s always a choice. You can give up, or push through and help others with what you’ve learned.” This sentiment defines Hey Joe, the latest from director Claudio Giovannesi, known for his delicate, deeply human touch. After his success with La Paranza dei Bambini, Giovannesi returns with a film that’s structured, thoughtful, and anchored in raw authenticity. And for Franco, Hey Joe is a return to form—his most compelling role in years.
An American Dream in the heart of a weathered Naples
Hey Joe is a story about many things, but above all, it’s a reflection of our own experiences. It paints a vivid picture of Neapolitan life, capturing two distinct periods: the post-war era and the 1970s, when the “nuttata” seemed to stretch endlessly, reminiscent of Eduardo De Filippo’s writing in Napoli milionaria, inspired by those very times.
Naples is a city brimming with hope amid confusion, despair, and uncertain legality – a place that strives, day after day, to withstand the blows that life delivers. It is against this backdrop that the “American Dream’ unfolds”, in a city brought to its knees by bombings, hunger, and hardship. A city where everything seemed scarce, yet somehow, its spirit remained unbroken.
Hey Joe – James Franco e Francesco Di Napoli in una scena del film
Claudio Giovannesi possesses a remarkable talent for depicting the realities of this city with a poetic, delicate, and deeply respectful touch, avoiding the pitfalls of excess that often entice filmmakers. He achieves this through vivid and nostalgic details, conjuring images of the prostitutes waiting for American soldiers on the steps of the Spanish Quarters. In this context, Hey Joe transcends being just a term of endearment; it becomes a seductive invitation to connect these seemingly distant worlds.
Music and Cinematography: sounds and shadows of an era
Music plays a vital role in bridging the two worlds in Hey Joe, with a soundtrack that seamlessly blends Neapolitan sounds with American jazz, blues, and soul, pulling us into the city’s very heartbeat. Director Claudio Giovannesi, alongside writers Massimo Gaudioso and Maurizio Braucci, explores the post-war underbelly of Naples, where American GIs and local musicians converged, a world that foreshadowed the rise of icons like Pino Daniele.
This musical homage underscores the deep cross-cultural connections that shaped the era. Cinematographer Daniele Ciprì intensifies this atmosphere with his moody, hyper-realistic visuals, casting Naples in tones that reflect Dean’s own sense of dislocation and yearning. Each frame is alive with shadows and light, a visual mirror of Dean’s struggle between a haunted past and a hope for renewal.
hey joe – Giulia Ercolini
James Franco, welcome back
In what might be one of his most outstanding performances, Franco fully immerses himself in the role of Dean Barry. He’s present in nearly every frame, bringing a profound depth to a father grappling with deep regret yet ignited by a flicker of hope. In the lead-up to the premiere, some worried that Franco’s portrayal could feel distant or mismatched with the raw energy of Naples. Instead, he proves to be the perfect bridge, embodying Dean’s journey with remarkable nuance and sincerity.
Each glance, sigh, and pause captures a lifetime of unvoiced struggles, seamlessly blending with the film’s emotional heartbeat. Franco’s performance is both a cinematic homecoming and a personal revelation, a powerful return to the heart of storytelling itself.
The supporting cast shines alongside Franco, with Francesco Di Napoli delivering an impressive performance as Enzo, Dean’s son. Enzo’s character feels genuine, shaped by a city where crime offers no escape. Yet in his relationship with Dean, Enzo finds a new sense of purpose and belonging, building a bond that feels as fragile as it is transformative. The chemistry between Franco and Di Napoli is electric, embodying the complexities of a love that’s both fraught and healing.
Aniello Arena adds depth as Don Vittorio, Enzo’s adoptive father and local crime boss, a figure that adds an extra layer of tension and nuance to Enzo’s struggles. The cast also features Giulia Ercolini, Giada Savi and Francesca Montuori, whose performances complement the film’s emotional landscape, enriching the story with their own unique portrayals.
Hey joe – Francesco di Napoli e James Franco in una scena del film
Hey Joe, A journey of the heart
Whether Hey Joe is based on fact or myth, it’s more than just a story. It’s a soulful journey that explores forgiveness, self-discovery, and the often-complicated path back to one’s roots. The film highlights the people, places, and memories that shape us, no matter how flawed they may be. For Dean, Naples isn’t just a destination to find his son; it’s a place that, in its raw and resilient way, holds all the things he thought he’d lost. Hey Joe celebrates the journey of coming home: to a city, a family, and a history that, despite the distance, remain at the heart of everything that truly matters.
Hey Joe, Cast
James Franco: Dean Barry
Francesco Di Napoli: Enzo
Giulia Ercolini: Bambi / Angela
Aniello Arena: Vittorio
Gabriel Riley Hill Antunes: Dean a 19 anni
Giada Savi: Lucia Stendardo
Francesca Montuori: Nunzia
Donovan W. White: Josh
Hey Joe, Official Trailer
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