Scott Haze as psychotic hunter in James Franco’s “Child of God” trailer (video)

 June 28, 2014 - 13:57 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The upcoming adaptation of “City of God,” Cormac McCarthy's 40-year-old tale of Southern isolation, has a freshly cut trailer. James Franco directed, co-wrote with Vince Jolivette, and also acts in the film, but the clear-cut star is Scott Haze, TheWrap said.

“I'll say one thing,” a character says with a thick Tennessee accent in the trailer, describing Haze's titular character Lester Ballard. “He can shoot anything he sees.”

Haze has worked with Franco before, starring in last year's William Faulkner adaptation, “As I Lay Dying,” but this trailer renders him nearly unrecognizable. He's shown as a psychotic hunter removed from civilized society with violent, terrible tendencies.

“His name is Lester Ballad,” says the Sheriff, in a booming, foreboding tone. “A child of God. Much like yourself, perhaps.”

McCarthy, who penned “No Country for Old Men” and “The Road,” isn't known for inspiring tales of optimism, but this story looks bleak as they come.

“Child of God,” also starring Tim Blake Nelson and Jim Parrack, was produced by Caroline Aragon, Vince Jolivette, and Miles Levy. A RabbitBandini Productions project, in association with Made in Film-Land, Well Go USA Entertainment offers the film in limited release to select U.S. theaters on August 1.