James Franco's latest film is the coming-of-age story of a Tennessee carpenter and the moral battles he faces over the death of his father years earlier. The film, which Franco is directing, producing, and starring in, is an adaptation of The Long Home by William Gay (his projects do all have a gay angle).

The film is providing Franco a wealth of opportunity to showcase the film as well as his shirtless (and creatively tattooed – love the suspenders) bod on Instagram.

One interesting additional gay angle: the portrait behind Franco in the Instagram photo below was painted by out artist Paul Richmond, who wrote on Facebook:

Last week I was commissioned to paint a portrait for actor James Franco to use in his new movie, The Long Home. Yesterday Dennis, Aaron, and I delivered it to him on the set! It was such a fun adventure that culminated with Aaron and me donning period costumes and appearing in the background of several scenes with him and co-star Courtney Love. James loved the painting and has already commissioned me to do another piece for him. I can't share any pics or details yet, but I'm so glad I was given the ok to tell you about it — keeping secrets is not my greatest strength.

Wrote Franco: "I think this is my favorite role/movie I've ever done."

Check out four more shirtless Instagram shots of Franco, including a bloody Ashton Kutcher and a nipple shaving session, AFTER THE JUMP…