On June 27th 2003, a small independent production headed by the elusive Tommy Wiseau exclusively premiered their movie to the world. Tommy had not only funded the entire operation, but was also the director, script-writer and main star. Shortly after initial reactions got loose, The Room went on to be heralded as “the worst movie of all time”. If ever there was a cursed production in the history of cinema, this movie would stand out as a shining example. So much so, in fact, that the team behind such huge hits as This is the End and The Interview decided to make a comedic homage to this strange, dark and enigmatic figure known as Tommy Wiseau as well as the people involved in his life. Chronicling the events that led up to the creation of this doomed project…
Back in 1998 during an acting class, young 19 year old Greg Sestero (played by Dave Franco) befriends the spontaneous yet confident Tommy Wiseau (played by James Franco who also directed this movie). After making a pact to hit the big time together, they both head over to L.A. in an attempt to garner fame and fortune in the world of Hollywood. However, with setback after setback holding them back, Tommy finally takes the bull by the horns, so to speak and decides to create his own movie with the two of them being the lead stars. Following a series of costly start-up errors and amateur’s mistakes, shooting finally begins and the hired production team seem relatively happy with the direction things are going. But it doesn’t take long for the cracks to show and an eventual decline into cobbling together what many consider as the ultimate abomination in cinematic history.
Going into this movie, I’m was preparing myself for a full on visceral assault upon Tommy Wiseau. After all, the same man in the real world today has become something of a laugh stock. A blatant mockery. And all for good reason. The cringe-worthy fruits of his labour do indeed add up to a 99-minute car wreck. However, the “movie behind the movie” is another matter altogether. The Disaster Artist may well be James Franco’s finest hour. Not only has he adopted every conceivable mannerism of his original counterpart (even down to that perfected slurred drawl) but the subtle facial make-up effects add a whole other dimension too. He is the twin embodiment of the actual Tommy Wiseau. A truly astounding feat if ever I saw one. His side-kick played by brother Dave Franco also turns in a great performance to complement the main star. Watching the two of them bounce off one another in flowing, often heart-warming, conversation, pushes you to genuinely care and root for this aspiring duo. Albeit already aware of the cataclysmic outcome at the end. In addition, a special note goes to their recreations from the scenes of the original movie itself, crafted almost exactly as they were filmed back in the early 2000’s production.
They could have easily gone the “cheesy” route, conducting a slapstick humoured comedy at the many failings of Tommy, but instead chose a more downplayed, realistic tone throughout. At times, you feel as though you’re watching an authentic imitation of the events as they would have transpired on the set itself. The other crew members (lead by the jovial Seth Rogan) come across as justifiably shocked at the disturbing, at times dangerous, behaviour of their elusive long-haired director. It makes for entertaining viewing and their utter bewilderment as to where this freak show is all leading to. But the innate passion driving Tommy to such over-the-top antics is never underestimated, giving the audience a certain sense of sympathy for this desperate lone figure. And the stark empathy Greg has for his friend whom he can clearly see losing control fast, makes the whole experience as much of an endearing one as the superficial horror show it could have been. A wise move from the scripting team behind The Disaster Artist and something which makes me loves this movie so much more.
In terms of the negatives, I found them minor to negligible. Even with all the lengths they went to in making Tommy appear more of a lost soul than anything else, he still ends up as looking like a person to be ridiculed. Despite the few reviews I’ve read online stating the contrary, I myself did not find that to be the case. However, a pure cash-grab based upon the demise of another man’s career, this movie certainly is not. I loved every minute of it… And then some.
As the years have rolled on, The Room has surprisingly gained in popularity due to its infamous and well-known roots, achieving something of a cult status. Special midnight showing are screened regularly on an annual basis in selected theatres throughout the USA. I found The Disaster Artist to be a hilarious film with enough heart and emotion to spread its appeal across many levels. The uncannily brilliant performance by James Franco carries this movie from greatness to becoming a modern-day classic. I highly recommend you give this one a go. If for nothing else, but to see how far a man’s singular and focused vision can take him, no matter what anyone else will say.
