My Thoughts on the Film, The Disaster Artist (2017), 3/14/2026…

I’ve shared my thoughts on The Room (2003), Tommy Wiseau’s first film. Although the film has achieved cult status and continues to generate box office revenue, I absolutely hated it. And wanted my hour and forty minutes back.

So why watch a film about a film I absolutely hated? Good question. Surprisingly, it garnered several award nominations and some wins.

I was interested in how (and why) this film was made. Actually, my interest was piqued because so many Hollywood movie stars took part in the film; there must have been fun to be had.

And, I’ll admit, I wanted to know who Tommy Wiseau actually was. What made him tick. What school of acting he hailed from. Where he got his budget. Who his tailor was. You get the idea. Besides, friends told me it was a good companion to The Room. So I wound up watching it.

I was right, for the most part, about the supporting cast. Seth Rogen (Superbad), Allison Brie (Community), Melanie Griffith (Working Girl), Bob Odenkirk (Nobody), and even Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) had roles and indeed enjoyed themselves.

James Franco (Pineapple Express) stars in and directs this film, breathing whatever life he could find into the mystery that is Tommy Wiseau—his performance was on the mark. (At the end of TDA, there were side-by-side spot-on scenes from both films, and they were mostly identical). His direction, unfortunately, was uninspired. Based on a book by Wiseau’s friend, colleague, and co-conspirator Greg Sestero—portrayed earnestly by his little brother Dave Franco (Now You See Me 2)—the film tries to find its heart in their friendship, but falls short here as well.

All in all, I liked the film, but it’s only a one-off, like The Room was for me. At least I didn’t skip dinner on this one.