The Disaster Artist

(spoiler free)

When people told me ‘The Room’ was bad I had no idea just how bad they really meant. It’s an experience that I’m surprised I made the whole way through. Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 film is somewhat of a cult phenomenon now and ‘The Disaster Artist’ tells the true story of how this film came to be. Like Wiseau did for ‘The Room’ James Franco both stars in the leading role and directs this film, he’s brought in some extra help for writing and producing though.

The narrative is structured very well here with audiences getting to know both Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) and watching their friendship develop before the scenes which document the making of the movie take place. These scenes are hilarious to watch, especially to those who have seen ‘The Room’. The humour is effortless and wonderfully pokes fun at everything to do with the infamous cult classic. Due to this ‘The Disaster Artist’ actually manages to enhance the quality of ‘The Room’. I know for sure that if I ever re-watch Wiseau’s film that I’ll have so much more fun with it thanks to ‘The Disaster Artist’. One of the best scenes in the film is the premiere of the film. In this we get to see the reaction of those involved in making the film and those invited to see it. This scene was done brilliantly, as it mirrors a lot of the feelings and reactions audiences will have had themselves when witnessing ‘The Room’ for the first time.    

So whilst the story of how ‘The Room’ was made is entertaining to no bounds I have to admit that at times I was slightly troubled with the existence of the film itself. I found myself asking was it mean-spirited to make a film for the purpose of making fun of one man and his work. This came to light on a couple of occasions during the film too. However, I honestly think that the film overcomes this potential issue. ‘The Disaster Artist’ puts a positive twist on something truly terrible, it celebrates rather than ridicules Wiseau and his film. James Franco’s performance as Wiseau is fantastic, you can witness just how impressive he is during the end credits of the film when re-created footage is played alongside the original scenes from ‘The Room’. Although even before this Franco proves just how good he is in this role holding nothing back and nailing so many things about his role, none less than that hysterical and usually inappropriately timed laugh of Wiseau’s. The rest of the cast are similarly deserving of praise as their chemistry is an instant recipe for comedy that never lets up.

So whilst ‘The Disaster Artist’ was born out of something truly awful it couldn’t be further from this in terms of it’s own quality. It’s quite possibly the funniest film of the year but it’s so much more than just a throwaway comedy. It will be enjoyed as part of double features with ‘The Room’ for years to come and should be a joy for the already established cult following of that film. However, it will also serve as a fine introduction for complete newcomers to the utter madness of Tommy Wiseau.

Written by Hamish Calvert

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Rating – 8/10

Question: What is your favourite ‘so bad that it’s good’ film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)

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