Review of The Disaster Artist (2017) by Thomas B — 08 Apr 2018

Planet Tommy.

An absolutely fascinating movie if you've watched The Room in its entirety. Tommy is beautifully realized in this movie. It surprised me how sympathetic they made him. Yes, he was obviously very unusual and difficult, but they still humanized him really well. It cleared up my worries going into the movie that they'd really pummel him down as a freak in a circus.

The acting by the Franco brothers really made this movie work. They sold a believable and nuanced relationship, a very touching one that's actually understandable. I didn't pause to wonder, 'wait, why are they working together..?'. It was all very well developed. The supporting cast was pretty much just amusing. It's your typical comedy cast.

The story presented was very tightly woven. So well that it felt like the movie was over after 40 minutes. It was that enjoyable, and lasted the perfect amount of time. Ended on a high note.

It was also technically well done, which was surprising to me because I just expected a funny little comedy movie. It actually looked really nice. The music was utilized very well. Tommy's presence had gravity, and it felt like the camera respected his presence. The makeup and the costumes were all really well done. James Franco just became Tommy in this movie.

The kind of minor complaint I have here is the long comparison montage at the end of the movie. They could've either integrated it into the movie itself, or at least bunch it together with the end credits. Not as a separate part by itself. It felt too much like a lifeboat for people who came into this movie without having seen The Room.

Other than that, a genuinely great, interesting, touching, and inspirational movie.