Actual conversation with my therapist (social anxiety), well paraphrased actual convversation
“You have to choose a conversation topic”
“All I really wanna talk about is seeing The Disaster Artist the other day and how amazing it was”
“Why did you like it so much?”
“It’s very much my style of movie. It’s got a different vibe to it, really funny and fascinating. [Some general talk about the film] And James Franco is amazing. [Some light gushing over James] I love how because he’s also a misunderstood artist he could really connect to Tommy Wiseau.”
“Do you think that maybe you like this movie because it’s a little different, like you? And that maybe you like James because you both identify as outsiders?”
“First off, have you seen the boy? That’s a big part of why he’s a favorite. Second, whoooooooaaaa. I had not made that connection before. Damn”
See, sometimes therapists have some fun insight.
We’re already coming up at a week since I’ve seen this movie, and it still makes me giddy and it’s still all I wanna talk about. There’s a non-zero chance I’m watching it again in a few days, and I’m actually really excited about it. I think we’ve got a new front runner for fave movie of the year.
Directed by and starring James Franco as Tommy Wiseau, The Disaster Artist is the story behind The Room, affectionately known as the best worst movie ever made. I really do need to do a write up on The Room sometime soon, but I do have a Stardust reaction. It starts with Tommy meeting Greg Sestero, the dude who would become his best friend and costar in film. James’ brother Dave plays Greg, giving them an amazing opportunity to share the screen together.
Acatually, a lot of James’ crew is in this movie. Dave’s got the biggest supporting part, but you’ve also got Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Judd Apatow, Allison Brie, and a whole bunch of other familiar faces in various roles. The whole thing is rather serendipitous. James has certainly faced a lot of criticism for his more artistic choices over the years, which is why he just gets Tommy Wiseau so well. They’ve both misunderstood artists, and James brings this depth and emotion to the role that I don’t know anyone else could have captured.
The Disaster Artist is just as bonkers as the Room, but with a different perspective. I laughed so hard, but I was also captivated by the story, and a few poignant moments even got some whimpers out of me. I can’t explain enough how much of a blast I had watching this. Oh and PSA, be sure and stay thru the end credits. There’s a nice surprise waiting for you! (And a great midcredits surprise too).
One last thing, I don’t think you need to have seen The Room to enjoy The Disaster Artist, but I still recommend that you do. Partly because then you really will get every reference (including some callback dialog that occurs outside of the film within the film) but also for the sheer enjoyment of seeing The Room. I have yet to make it to a midnight screening, but it is absolutely on my radar for the near future.
The Disaster Artist – \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/