Stuck on Lou

You Don’t Fool Me, James Franco

James Franco’s regrettable performance at the Oscars last night reminded me of myself in high school.

I was in band because I sincerely loved playing music, but I was also painfully aware of how uncool band was. So whenever we performed at school, I compensated by slouching in my chair and wearing an expression on my face that I hoped said, “Sorry, guys. I don’t even know what I’m doing here. Trust me, I am totally on your side in thinking this is lame.”

In retrospect, this stance made no sense, considering that band was an elective. While it’s understandable to feel somewhat apologetic for subjecting audiences to an out-of-tune, 20-minute medley of the music from The Lion King, it’s obvious to me now that I wasn’t fooling anyone into thinking I had been coerced into it.

The same goes for you, James Franco.