The Disaster Artist

There are films based on true stories and although they are interesting and can be incredibly informative all the while entertaining, "The Disaster Artist" is one of these movies based on a true story that takes 'a true story' to an all new different level.

 

This story details the incredible true story behind the making of "The Room", a 2003 film that quickly became a cult hit due to its reputation as "the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made". This comedy-drama chronicles its production, and how it emerged from the friendship between weirdo auteur Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and struggling actor Greg Sestero (Dave Franco). The tumultuous friendship effected everyone within the production including director of photographer Sandy (Seth Rogen) and his assistant, Raphael (Paul Scheer), whereas these guys were just about ready to 'jump ship' due to the acting inadequacies of Tommy who also happens to directs.

 

Others to round out the cast are Ari Graynor as Juliette, Alison Brie as Amber, Greg's girlfriend, Jacki Weaver as Carolyn, Zac Efron as Dan, Josh Hutcherson as Philip, June Diane Raphael as Robyn, Megan Mullally as Mrs. Sestero, Greg's mom, Nathan Fielder as Kyle Vogt, Andrew Santino as Scott Holmes and Jason Mantzoukas as Peter.

 

This was directed by yet another actor turned director, James Franco ("Fool's Gold" '05, "The Broken Tower" '11, "My Own Private Idaho" (Documentary) '12, "As I Lay Dying" '13, "Bukowski" '13, "Child of God" '13, "The Sound and the Fury" '14, "Black Dog, Red Dog" '15, "In Dubious Battle" '16, "The Institute" '17) plus others and TV. Obviously this filmmaker is an actor's director being an actor himself, so he has the ability to know what kinds of emotions these actors need to exude given the scene at hand. It was cleverly written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber ("500 Days of Summer" '09, "The Spectacular Now" '13, "The Fault of Our Stars" '14, "Paper Towns" '15) plus others and TV based on the book "The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made" by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell. These guys are obviously team writers which make for a tight collaborative effort. If I were to akin the ludicrousness of this to another film, it would have to be "Pain & Gain" '13, which was also based on a true story and had a plot that was difficult to believe was truth. This was similar in that regard, otherwise these two films were nothing alike. As with the other films these writers created, this was a tight, cohesive, well thought out film that spoke volumes in direction and writing. The casting of the Franco brothers was brilliant in that they were similar in looks so the audience could connect these two guys even more. 

 

Ironically, this being based on a horribly made film, this film was a breath of fresh air, especially in the comedy genre. It was powder dry humor, but that makes it seem that much more real. It would be interesting to see the original film this film is based on so as to get the essence of this film even more.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                       Rated: R                                 103mins.