What to watch this week
True-life comedy drama. With James Franco, Dave Franco and Seth Rogen. Director: James Franco. 18LNS. Witness the making of a cult hit with this film about a movie that should never have seen the light of day.
Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) is an aspiring young actor who hasn’t quite found his voice and Tommy Wiseau ( James Franco) is an eccentric and gregarious – though oddly reticent – older man who believes he’s destined for superstardom. A chance encounter at an acting school leads to them becoming fast friends and their shared passion for acting takes them to California. But Hollywood doesn’t appreciate their talent and their friendship is tested as they struggle to get their big breaks.
Everything changes when Tommy decides to write, direct and star in his own movie. This results in what the world would come to know as the best worst movie ever made, The Room (2003).
Through both his directing and acting, James Franco – who won a Golden Globe for his performance – treats Tommy and his passion project with such loving care that you connect with his humanity without being distracted by his eccentricities.
That’s the most compelling aspect of this ludicrous true-life tale – where others might have mocked Tommy, James chooses to celebrate the cult classic and the people behind it. This worthwhile watch has comedy, bewildering moments and a lot of heart.