MOVIE: The Disaster Artist paints a pretty picture

THERE are some worthy contenders for the title, worst film of all time. 

‘Batman and Robin’, ‘Gigli’, and ‘Showgirls’, to name but three. But one movie that surely stands head and shoulders above the competition, is the 2003 offering from Wiseau Films: ‘The Room’.

Not to be confused with the recent Lenny Abrahamson success of almost the same name, ‘The Room’, was the brainchild of Hollywood newbee Tommy Wiseau, who wrote, directed and starred in the small independent project that somehow managed to rack up a total spend of almost six million dollars. 

The result, which can be viewed online, is a sight to behold, with acting so bad it’s funny, stories that make no sense and the kind of dialogue that thankfully, have yet to pass the lips of anyone in real life.      

‘The Disaster Artist’ is based on a book by Wiseau’s co-star, Greg Sestero, and tells the story of how one man’s misguided vision became a reality, proving that all the money in the world can’t replace innate talent. James Franco stars and directs, but unlike Wiseau, doesn’t write, leaving that task to the team behind ‘500 Days of Summer’ and ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. 

While the aforementioned films may be a little saccharine, this movie definitely isn’t, but it does contain a necessary tenderness that avoids us laughing at a man who is/was, at best, delusional.

A strong cast that includes Dave Franco, Seth Rogen and Zac Efron, help to deliver a hopefully accurate, and at times hilarious portrayal of life on, and around the original movie set. 

‘The Room’ sadly only grossed $1,800 during its short run, and bizarrely, was kept in the cinema (singular) just long enough to guarantee qualification for the Oscars. Seriously!

This is a fascinating insight into the quest for fame, a rib tickling look at how terrible writing and acting can actually be funny, and a poignant and sometimes sad take on destructive delusion. 

Go see this movie, but do yourself a favour and watch ‘The Room’ first. We score both, a highly entertaining, 4 out of 5 stars.

Paul O’Rourke