A recurring theme in 2018 cinema appears to be films based on true stories. To date, I have reviewed: Wind River, Mollys Game, All the money in the world, The Post, Winchester – House of Ghosts and The Death of Stalin. However, The Disaster Artist distinguishes itself by presenting an extraordinarily bizarre and compelling narrative centered around Tommy Wiseau and his infamous film, The Room.
Tommy directing.Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) aspires to a career in acting. He encounters the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) during an acting class, a character marked by a complete lack of inhibition. Recognizing an opportunity for growth, Greg seeks to learn from Tommy, contrasting his own insecurities and fear of ridicule. Their unlikely friendship evolves, leading them to Hollywood and the pursuit of fame, albeit in a manner significantly different from their initial expectations.
Having been aware of The Room for several years, I’ve viewed enough excerpts to grasp its overall nature. While the precise production cost remains debated, a figure of approximately 6 million dollars is frequently cited. Tommy Wiseau served as writer, director, producer, and lead actor for The Room. However, this review focuses not on The Room itself, but on the film documenting its creation.
Tommy in top form!James Franco initially gained prominence in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films. While his performances have consistently been competent, they have sometimes lacked a certain depth. In The Disaster Artist, however, he delivers a masterful portrayal of Tommy Wiseau. From the voice and mannerisms to the overall appearance, his transformation is remarkable. Franco also directed the film, reportedly remaining in character throughout the process, making for what must have been a uniquely surreal production.
Dave Franco, James’ brother, delivers a noteworthy performance as Greg. While I have seen him in other roles, it is here that his talent truly shines. He embodies the character with conviction, and his interpretation of Greg feels authentic.
Not entirely easy to be on this recording.Standout supporting performances are provided by Seth Rogen as the increasingly exasperated Sandy, and Ari Graynor as the somewhat vulnerable Juliette. The film offers a tragicomic perspective on Tommy Wiseau, a man as mysterious as he is demonstrably a poor actor. The Disaster Artist does not gloss over the less appealing aspects of Wiseau’s personality, including his demeaning treatment of co-star Juliette.
The movie’s clearly most brutal scene.My appreciation for this film stems from my own background as a filmmaker and a long-standing interest in movies centered on eccentric filmmakers achieving unconventional success. Other favorites in this category include Tim Burton’s Ed Wood and Frank Oz’s Bowfinger. The Disaster Artist distinguishes itself by depicting a largely factual story. Tommy Wiseau is a real individual, and the events portrayed, with minor alterations, actually occurred. These changes include Greg’s mother’s nationality, the manner in which they traveled to Hollywood, and one additional detail. Beyond these deviations, the film functions, to a significant extent, as a documentary. Despite Wiseau’s eccentricities and the challenges Greg endures, their friendship remains strong. They remain friends and have collaborated on subsequent projects.
James plays Tommy to perfection.The Disaster Artist is exceptionally humorous; it has been a considerable time since I laughed so heartily during a screening. The film is well-crafted and features strong performances. However, it may slightly embellish the Tommy Wiseau legend. The film suggests that his origins are unknown (the answer is Poznan, Poland) and his age is a mystery (born in 1955, making him 63), but this information is readily available on IMDB. The source of his funding for The Room, estimated at approximately 50 million kronor, remains largely unexplained. That detail is not on IMDB.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Disaster Artist. Filmmakers will find an additional layer of appreciation, as it highlights both the possibilities and pitfalls of filmmaking. Furthermore: viewers are strongly encouraged to remain through the end credits, as a post-credit scene surpasses even the best Marvel stingers. It is truly exceptional. You have my word!
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