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Now tat's a bald look! James Franco sports Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift tattoo on the back of his shaved head as he gets into character for new movie Zeroville

Published: 05:42 EST, 5 September 2014 | Updated: 08:21 EST, 5 September 2014

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He's never been afraid to make bold decisions during his career, but now James Franco is taking his dedication to his craft to a whole new level.

After shaving his head for the sake of his upcoming film, Zeroville, the 36-year-old has indulged in a temporary inking to help him really get into character.

In the new movie - adapted from Steve Erickson's 2007 bestseller - the actor plays Ike Jerome, a troubled architecture student who harbours dreams of making it in Hollywood after being profoundly affected by his favourite films.

Bald move: James Franco showed off his imposing new look at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday

So much so, he has an image of Elizabeth Taylor and Montogomery Clift in 1951's A Place In The Sun tattooed on his shorn head.

The Milk actor showed off his new body art while wandering around the Venice Film Festival in Italy on Thursday.

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Dressed in a black suit and wearing dark shades, James cut an imposing figure as he chatted to a friend near the banks of the city's famous waterways.

What's tat? The temporary body art depicted Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift in 1951 film A Place In The Sun

Dedication: The actor had undergone his dramatic makeover in the early hours of Thursday morning

New role: The transformation is part of preparing for his new role in Zeroville, an adaptation of Steve Erickson's bestselling 2007 novel of the same name

Made their mark: The tattoo is inspired by a still from 1951 movie A Place In The Sun, which co-starred Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift

Hours earlier, he had shared his head-shaving experience with fans on Instagram, he uploaded several shots of him before and after his early-morning meeting with the clippers.

One caption read: 'Get ready for ZEROVILLE,' while another one, showing a make-up artist working on the tattoo on the nape of his neck, said: 'Bald as a mutha!'

He bought the film rights in 2011 with the intent to direct, as previously reported by Variety.

New look: James shaved his head in the wee hours of Thursday morning, posting this image with the caption, 'Get ready for ZEROVILLE'

Transformation: The 36-year-old actor shared a before image

Earlier on: He was pictured with a full head of hair at the Italian premiere of The Director: An Evolution In Three Acts, a documentary he produced

The character eventually finds success as a film editor as he 'embarks on a Hollywood journey that ends in both tragedy and discovery.'

It is expected to shoot through autumn and hit cinemas next year.

On Wednesday, James attended the Italian premiere of The Director: An Evolution In Three Acts, a documentary he produced.

James Franco discusses challenges directing his new film

New endeavours: The Pineapple Express star is gearing up to turn the critically acclaimed 2007 novel Zeroville by Steve Erickson into a film

Team effort! James posed with the documentary's subject, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini (left), and director Christina Voros (right)

Having premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last April, the film provides an 'intimate portrait of Gucci's Creative Director, Frida Giannini.'

It 'spends 18 months inside the walls of the iconic Italian fashion house, exploring the intricacies of a quietly brilliant woman whose evolution as the creative force behind the brand is as nuanced as the storied company itself.'

On Tuesday, James posted a selfie in sunglasses and a leather jacket, with the caption: 'Say Goodbye to this hair... You'll see. Tomorrow.'