The Disaster Artist * * * *

Franco as Wiseau - both can be reassured by this review.

I get the impression that when Tommy Wiseau studied acting and film making he noticed how actors practice outbursts and transitions from anger to sadness.  He noticed dramatic plot points like betrayal.  He noticed that there are comic scenes which cause characters to bond.  He also noticed that frequently there is skin.  

And so in 2003, with these observations, but no understanding of how it should all be put together,  Tommy  went off to make a film and he called it The Room.  A film which has since become regarded as quite possibly the worst film ever made.   Now it is a cult film, one which is shown at least once a week at mirthful late night showings in cinemas all over the world, where dedicated and enthusiastic audience members attend dressed as the characters and reciting the lines.

So how did it come about?

The Disaster Artist tells the story, of Tommy Wiseau and the making of The Room, but not in a mocking or unkind way. The Disaster Artist is a very good film about the making of a very bad film.

James Franco stars as Tommy Wiseau in an extraordinary performance, he’s got the voice, the look, the mannerisms down pat.

I do not know if The Disaster Artist would work for those who haven’t seen The Room, but I’m told it does.  Having deliberately re-watched The Room the day before (thank me later) I have to say I found The Disaster Artist immensely enjoyable.  It’s a funny, tender film steeped in pathos and  lot better than the film it’s based on,but then what film isn’t?  (Actually, I know what isn’t, Star Wars, but don’t get me started on that.)