Reviews & Ratings for
The Disaster Artist (2017)

The Disaster Artist is a 2017 American biographical comedy-drama film directed by James Franco. It was written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, based on Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell's 2013 non-fiction book of the same title. The film chronicles an unlikely friendship between budding actors Tommy Wiseau and Sestero that results in the production of Wiseau's 2003 film The Room, widely considered one of the worst films ever made. The Disaster Artist stars brothers James and Dave Franco as Wiseau and Sestero, respectively, alongside a supporting cast featuring Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson, Jacki Weaver, and Seth Rogen.

Principal photography began on December 8, 2015. A work-in-progress cut of the film premiered at South by Southwest on March 12, 2017; it was later screened at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, and also played at the 2017 San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it became the first American film to win its top prize, the Golden Shell, since A Thousand Years of Good Prayers in 2007.

Distributed by A24 in North America and Warner Bros. Pictures in international markets, The Disaster Artist began a limited release on December 1, 2017, before opening wide on December 8, 2017. It received positive reviews from critics, with the chemistry of the Francos and their portrayals of Wiseau and Sestero, as well as the film's humor and screenplay, receiving praise, and was chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the top ten films of 2017. At the 75th Golden Globe Awards, James Franco won the award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy; the film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.[9] Franco also received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the film earned a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards.

The Disaster Artist is a film directed by James Franco. I had heard about this film some 3 months ago while browsing a random website of upcoming 2017 films. Then a trailer of the film came, which impressed me a lot. I decided not to see 'The Room' just not to build up any kind of expectations. And after seeing this, I can say that this is just perfection.

Plot: Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero decide on making thier own movie after not being able to prove themselves in Hollywood.

Story and direction: In the beginning we get interviews from various celebrities quoting that how Tommy Wiseau tried to create a different kind of cinema and people happen to still remember this film because of how silly and bad its supposed to be. Then we shift to San Francisco, where we are introduced to Greg who struggles because of having stage fright and Tommy who in the very same scene acts quite horrendously and still has no shame in doing it in front of 15-20 people. Then begins the journey of these 2 people to destination Hollywood. Then we get to see their love for cinema and them deciding to go to Hollywood to make it big there. Then we also see concerns of Greg's mother as to who is this Tommy person and all her other worries. This all comes from great writing. Kudos to the writing team (Scott Neustader and Micheal Weber, who happened to write also 'The Fault in Our Stars' another of my favorite film). James Franco as a director too has done a fantastic job showing us not only the Hollywood struggle but also the precision with which 'The Room' was made. I felt an instant connection to the characters. At the end of the film we see scenes from 'The Room' are then compared side-by-side with reenactments of the scenes performed by the film's cast. Those scenes felt like it was the scenes of 'The Room'. An exact replica!!!!

Performances: James Franco hit it instantly as Tommy Wiseau. His accent and body language were perfect. Dave Franco also was excellent. I didn't expect a fabulous performance from him. The role of Seth Rogen was quite mininal but its always a joy to see him. Allison Brie was also good as Greg's girlfriend. Ari Graynor was also good as Lisa. It's always a treat to watch Bob Odenkirk and Bryan Cranston!!!

Favorite Scene: It would be where Greg along with Lisa and Claudette discuss as how difficult it is for Claudette to come everyday to set to perform considering her age. And she replies that we are actors and even a bad day on set is a good day. Also one other member in the same scenes deduces that 'The Room' might be semi-autobiographical. This scene showed the behind the camera tensions and worries of the cast which I liked about the scene.

Verdict: This film ticked out all the boxes for me. I see many nominations for this film in many categories and do hope it wins. Even if you haven't seen 'The Room', it's no problem. You will still enjoy it. It has elements of comedy, but drama is too present in this film. Please give it a go. I assure you, it will be a blast.

I am going with a 10/10.