The Disaster Artist brings the making of the infamous cult classic film The Room to the big screen. Considered by many to be the worst film ever made, so bad it’s good, we follow its writer/producer/director/star Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and his best friend Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) as they embark to Los Angeles to achieve their acting dreams and subsequent stumble into Hollywood infamy.
The Disaster Artist is a hilarious yet inspiring examination of both what it means to chase one’s dream and the importance of friendship. When we first meet Greg, we encounter a young man who knows what he wants to accomplish but is unsure of himself and whether or not he can reach the goal he so desperately wants to. After observing Tommy’s dogged determination and unabashed commitment to climbing the acting mountaintop, and spending more time around Tommy talking about each other’s wish for acting stardom, Greg becomes more optimistic and allows himself to open up on stage as an actor and open up his mind to the possibility of reaching the heights to which he aspires. Greg ends up returning the favor when Tommy becomes discouraged after multiple failed auditions and acting classes while Greg has had success finding both an agent and love by planting the seeds for the idea that would become their ticket to fame. These two examples are the most prominent that show how having someone that believes in what you want to achieve and even believes when you don’t can help push a person toward accomplishing wonders.
The Franco brothers both shine in their portrayals of Greg and Tommy, with James Franco specifically nailing the distinct, well known accent and mannerisms of the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau. He pulls off the comedic aspect of the zany Tommy but also is able to be emotional and serious when it is called for, allowing the audience to feel for Tommy in his struggle to make people believe in him instead of just laugh at his off-kilter behavior. Both actors successfully convey the struggle of wanting something so badly, having it seem so out of reach, but continuing to believe and go for what you want. The Disaster Artist, and The Room itself, are often couched and thought of in comedic terms but I found myself inspired while watching. After being told no so many times, Greg and Tommy carried each other toward making their own luck rather than waiting on it to be gifted to them. And, in an inverted way, they found the success they craved by failing so spectacularly. And through that failure, they did it together, just as they’d began the journey.
The Disaster Artist is a hilarious film that also has a strong underlying message about believing in yourself and others. It’s filled with fun, funny moments, loads of celebrity cameos, and the right amount of levity to provide a serious streak in-between the moments of laughter.
Image: A24
