The Disaster Artist (December 2017)

Official Australian release date: 7/12/17. Viewed: 8/12/17.

Director: James Franco

Actors: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie

Genre: Comedy

Rating: M

  

‘The Disaster Artist’ is a homage/satire of the making of ‘The Room’, one of the so-called “worst movies ever”. Full disclosure: I’ve never seen ‘The Room’, as I’m not sure there’s such a thing as “so bad it’s good”… It obviously made enough of an impact for James Franco, who decided to imitate his muse – Tommy Wiseau – by producing, starring in and directing this film. Franco didn’t write it though – it’s based on the book by Greg Sestero, Tommy’s best friend, played by Franco’s brother, Dave. One of the film’s strong points is watching them onscreen together.

There’s an exceptional backing cast – Seth Rogen as a script editor, Alison Brie (Dave Fracno’s actual wife), as Greg’s girlfriend, Ari Graynor as the female co-star, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron, Paul Scheer, Megan Mullally, Jason Mantzoukas, Hannibal Buress, Sharon Stone, Judd Apatow, Bob Odenkirk. But the film is really carried by the Franco brothers – at least one of them is in every scene. The main revelation is how much James Franco looks like Tommy and the final 5min show a shot-by-shot comparison of some scenes, and it’s uncanny how close they got some of the diction and body language.

This is basically a film about making a film – an actual behind-the-scenes documentary might have been just as good. Not a whole lot happens really, and you know how it’s going to end. There’s plenty of funny moments, but I feel like it might be funnier if you’re familiar with ‘The Room’. Bit disappointed they didn’t actually resolve the mysteries of his age, place of birth & where his money comes from!

Overall: Mostly funny semi-parody.

Gav's Rating: 3 stars.