THE DISASTER ARTIST (2017)

Directed By: James Franco 
Written By: Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber 
Based on the Book "The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made” Written By: Greg Sistero & Tom Bissell 
Cinematography By: Brandon Trost 
Editor: Stacey Schroeder 


Cast: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Josh Hutcherson, Ari Graynor, Jacki Weaver, Paul Scheer, Alison Brie, Jerrod Carmichael, June Diane Raphael, Nathan Fielder, Joe Mande, Jason Mantzoukas, Sharon Stone, Megan Mullaly, Melanie Griffith, Hannibal Buress, Charlyne Yi, Bob Odenkirk, Tommy Wiseau, Casey Wilson, Kelly Oxford

The film is a kind of feel good story. That seems to show even if you have little to no talent but persevere you can achieve it. It also shows that you can make it in Hollywood as there is no set path or any rules really.

I will admit to have never seen the movie whose making this is based upon THE ROOM. So not knowing the material except that it is an exceptionally bad movie that is quite laughable. I wasn’t part of the crowd or audience the film might have been looking for.

Though the film fills in audience members like myself who might not know or seen the film just how ridiculous it is. Not to mention how ridiculous the main person Tommy Wiseau is in general. He still manages to remain a mystery while also making him compelling.

This is one of this tales where most of it is played for laughs. Yet believable where it is so ridiculous even though it seems make up. Who could make it up.

The film matches the movie it is covering the making of by being an independent that feels polished but also feels a little thrown together itself. Where as at the beginning the hand held camerawork quickly wears out it’s welcome. As it tries to show the more down home origins of the characters and once they come to Hollywood the camerawork becomes a little smoother but is still shaky as the characters are finding their way.

While the film continues it feels like a Robert Altman-esque film and not for his style, sound design, nuance or ensembles of characters but more for having recognizable actors who seem to fill every role. Even the smaller more bit roles. Some are only there for a scene or two and then disappear. Where it feels like Director and star James Franco called every celebrity or actor he knew or was a fan of to be in the film. It could have been an open set where friends of friends got cast just because they were there on the set. It has that kind of loose feeling at times. Before settling down with a few more core characters. As the film is about fame and Hollywood this kind of filmmaking might make more sense.

The irony of making one of the world’s worst movies of all time. At least one of the most popular ones and finally achieving fame from it that you always sought, but not laughing with you. As what you wrote and made was supposed to be seen as deep and dramatic with passionate reasons, and it becomes more the audience laughing at you. Might be because of the serious intentions that are played more inept and make no sense.

James Franco succeeds at playing a comedic character thoroughly. Which he has been getting better at especially after SPRING BREAKERS. Where he seems to go method and throws himself more into his performances. When he cares about the material. Here as it is based on a real person he feels scarily real yet also so ridiculous in every single way even in wardrobe. A she constantly lies but seems to believe his lies and never wants to reveal anything about himself. As a man with a heavy European accent he claims to be from New Orleans Louisiana. He has no fear but can’t act. He claims to be in his mid to late 20’s yet is obviously older.

It seems like while watching this film. It encapsulates exactly what James Franco might believe about Hollywood and it’s reality though a more comedic comedy of errors filter.

Where as THE ROOM seemed to be a testament to Tommy Wiseau his acting and talent. As well as a love letter to his friend Greg Sestero.

This film seems to have the same meanings for James Franco and his brother Dave Franco. As the film mostly stars then and they get the bulk of the scenes and material. Dave is more the dramatic center as the innocent and James is more the crazy comedic.

As the more big named and recognizable cast seem here more to be the bait and lure audiences to the film. Though few of them barely get a handle to make any impact or impression. Even Paul schemer and Seth Rogen who more have full supporting roles.

The film can also be seen as a romance. Through a story of friendship and unrequited love. Though seen as a romantic gesture the film to the original film, but also as THE ROOM seems to be the basis of the romance of friendship between the two characters and their aspirations, hopes and dreams of stardom.

The film seems to be a greatest hits version of the scenes from THE ROOM and also allows for a deeper look at the cast and crew behind the scenes. Why they stayed and what they went through.

I am sure Greg sister whose book/memoir the film is based on and Tommy Wiseau are marveling and laughing all the way to the bank as their little laughing stock of a movie not only gained a cult audience but big actors and a major Hollywood production made about them. Funnily enough this film while celebrating the making of seems to have a similar mission in it’s aim. As Tommy made the movie, starring and directing to get his foot in the door and impress Hollywood as well as get his friend Greg a professional movie and to deepen their bond after he feels like he is losing him.

Here James Franco even though he has success writes and directs this movie his most mainstream directorial film to date. That allows him to be fun and be taken serious and show that he can do it separate from purely artistic indie pursuits. It also allows him to show off creating another fully committed comedic character who is real. As well as allowing his brother a leading role in the film. That seems more centered around them. While in this case surrounding them with recognizable talented comedic actors some more famous and popular then them.

The film shows love for the film the room but it also in a way feels like a stunt another from James Franco that like his performance in SPRING BREAKERS luckily pays off, but at first might make you a little reluctant to want to see it believe.

Though i haven’t seen the move THE ROOM which this is based on the making of I should see it but I am sure it is just as abysmally funny as it looks and probably even funnier. This seems to be it’s own animal


Grade: B-