On The Disaster Artist

Whatever faults The Room (2003) has, the real life story that has blossomed as a result of reactions to the film is endearing. Strange, but endearing. Therefore it feels appropriate that The Disaster Artist approaches the story of Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero with balance and a desire to neither vilify nor blame. James Franco made this with Wiseau's backing and The Disaster Artist refuses to make any attempts at demystifying the myths the real Wiseau has built around himself. There are questions that beg to be answered about Wiseau, but he is entitled to his privacy and speculations are often cruel. The reality may be different than we know and than Franco's film explores and the book The Disaster Artist certainly paints a more unpleasant picture of Sestero (strange as he co-wrote it), but what the film achieves by not pushing too hard into these uncomfortable areas is life affirming cinema. The message is energising for anyone struggling in the creative industries. On top of this and a great irony, is that The Disaster Artist is an impressive film, replete with strong performances in front of and behind the camera. A film that may genuinely win an award about a film that desperately wanted one.