The Disaster Artist

            This new film, directed by and starring James Franco, defies description. It is based on the true story of the making of the film, "The Room", considered by most to be one of the worst films ever made. "The Disaster Artist" goes behind the scenes. It tells the background story of the friendship between Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero and how "The Room" was made.

             Greg Sestero (played by Dave Franco) was a young struggling actor in San Francisco who met Tommy Wiseau (played by James Franco) in an acting class and a strange friendship developed between the two. Tommy is a mystery, older than Greg, apparently very wealthy, but no other details to be known about his life. The two men drive to Los Angeles to become actors but Greg with little ability and Tommy with his strange accent and no acting ability can't find work. One day, Greg half jokingly suggests they make their own movie and Tommy seizes the moment. Despite any ability or training, Tommy writes, produces, directs and stars in "The Room".

             The film is very funny, mostly at Tommy's expense. He is such a peculiar man, you can't help but laugh. James Franco is outstanding in the role, finding the heart of Tommy's passion. Dave Franco does an excellent job as well as Greg, especially later in the film, when the reality of their situation threatens his friendship with Tommy. The film co-stars Ari Graynor as Juliette, the lead actress in "The Room". It also features Seth Rogan, Jackie Weaver, Allison Brie, Josh Hutcherson, Megan Mullally, Hannibal Buress, Zac Efron and Jason Mantzoukas in various roles. There are many other cameos in the film, including Sharon Stone, Bob Odenkirk, Judd Apatow and Melanie Griffith. Even more actors play themselves at the beginning of the film talking about "The Room".

             Mr. Franco, as the director finds the root of the story in the friendship between these two men and succeeds brilliantly in straddling the line between comedy and pathos, while shooting and starring in a movie within a movie. There is a great side by side comparison at the end of both films showing how closely Mr. Franco actually mirrors the original. And stay through the credits for an absolutely bizarre scene between Mr. Franco in character and the real Tommy Wiseau.