The Room, worst movie ever, hits big time

After more than 14 very strange, even terrible years, “The Room” is finally getting the national theatrical opening that its eccentric producer, director and star Tommy Wiseau had always dreamed of.

The cult classic — widely considered the worst movie ever made — will be shown Wednesday on more than 500 screens in the U.S. The Room’s unintentional absurdity has been embraced by audiences in Rocky Horror-esque midnight showings ever since it flickered briefly in Los Angeles theatres in its original release. But the 2003 movie has reached new heights of popularity since director/star James Franco’s Golden Globe winning performance as Wiseau in “The Disaster Artist,” which chronicles The Room’s wild creation.

After Wiseau poured an estimated $6 million of his own money (from unknown sources) into the project, the tale brought nothing but critical pans and audience giggles. Lots of giggles. Wiseau nonetheless funded a twoweek theatrical release — to make “The Room” eligible for Oscar contention — with an infamous Hollywood billboard featuring his brooding face.

“The Room” became a mainstay of latenight screenings that have spread around the country. Wiseau estimates there are 200 a year, often with him in attendance and featuring enthusiastic audience interaction — including throwing plastic spoons whenever the utensil is inexplicably featured onscreen.