3.5 stars out of 5
Back when I was urging everyone to see the movie Room, a couple of friends were singing the praises of the cult hit The Room. Well, I finally saw The Room (thanks Stephen) and… it is very bad; it is an odd, strangely compelling viewing experience; but… we live in an age of hyperbole. And I do not think The Room is truly the “Citizen Kane of bad movies” as has been suggested. I mean, it’s no Plan 9 From Outer Space, amiright?
But is it worthwhile to make a movie about the making of The Room? Oh, why the hell not. I suppose it’s a classic American story: Guy wants to make it in show business, can’t get a break, decides to make his own movie. And main character Tommy Wiseau is weird and mysterious enough for star and director James Franco to really sink his teeth into. Regardless what you think about this film, you must admit that Franco absolutely nails his performance as Tommy, and is a hoot throughout.
A couple of factors hurt Franco’s chances of mining a great film from a lousy film. One, he loads the cast with his comedy pals: Seth Rogen, Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Nathan Fielder, Jason Mantzoukas, Hannibal Burress, Judd Apatow. That must’ve made for a fun set, but these are not top-flight actors. Also, to make excellent non-fiction, Franco would’ve needed to look far beyond the written recollections of Tommy’s buddy and co-star Greg (well portrayed by Dave Franco). There’s a central mystery referred to more than once: Where is Tommy really from (it ain’t New Orleans), and how did he get all his money? That could’ve been a really terrific story — a man’s desperate attempt to become an “American” — and Franco has the resources to have really investigated it. But, I guess he didn’t think it was too important, and we the audience are left wanting.
So, you can probably wait for this one to show up on Netflix or cable. And if you want to track down The Room in the meantime, be my guest. Why is it even called The Room?? THere isn’t any room with special meaning. And why do they throw around a football around while randomly wearing tuxedos?? Yeah, it is pretty bad.
Jack Silbert, curator