Franco says it's art. (Twitter/@denisleary)

Franco penned an op-ed in The New York Times called “Why Actors Act Out,” in which he gave his take on LaBeouf’s recent behavior. The actor explained that everything LaBeouf is doing might just be some kind of confusing performance art he’s using to break away from his celebrity persona.

According to Franco, being both an actor and a celebrity puts a lot of stress on a person.  Having to contend with the public’s perception often leads to a distance between personality and persona.

“Our personas can feel at the mercy of forces far beyond our control,” he wrote.

ALSO SEE: James Franco And Seth Rogen Remake Kanye's 'Bound 2'

All of LaBeouf’s headline-making actions (plagiarized apologies for plagiarism, repeatedly tweeting “I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE,” skywriting, wearing a paper bag on his head) could be spurred by a desire to “dissociate” from his work. A desire Franco says he knows well.

Franco’s explanation, while reasonable, might be a little too generous of an explanation.

He brings up Marlon Brando and Joaquin Phoenix as examples of other actors who have rejected the responsibility of maintaining the public’s perception of them. Comparing Brando refusing an Academy Award or Phoenix’s film “I’m Still Here” to LaBeouf sitting in a room all day with a bag on his head might be a bit of a stretch.

If anything, LaBeouf has far more in common with that other former Disney star known for making waves with her outrageous behavior. She also had a fellow celebrity chime in.

Read the whole op-ed at The New York Times.

Reach executive producer Reid Nakamura here.