Review of The Room (2003) by Bazooka J — 19 Oct 2013

Ah, The Room. A powerful and unique film worthy of all the praise it receives.

This is the story of a slightly retarded man that is brutally backstabbed by every person he holds dear in his life. His future wife, Lisa, is a plotting, evil bitch who will stop at nothing to fulfill her teenaged delusions of relationships. Johnny, our tragic hero, is also betrayed by his best friend, Mark, who happens to be fucking Lisa every chance he gets. But remember, it's Lisa's fault. She did such a great job seducing poor Mark, in what seemed like one minute. She's like a fuckin' siren or something. All she had to do was light up a couple candles, put on a sexy dress, and turn up some music! And BAM! Instant seduction! She's a pro, it seems. Mark never saw it coming!

There are also several subplots. One of them involves Johnny's would-be son, Denny, getting involved with drugs. A violent man with a gun threatens Denny on their apartment rooftop trying to get his money that Denny owes him from buying crack. Wiseau is a master of character development, and this scene proves it. We also get characters disappear from the film, like Johnny's psychologist buddy, Peter. After playing a rousing game of football in tuxedos, Peter falls and seems to be fine at the end of the scene. But in reality, he died of internal bleeding. This is a cruel world Johnny inhabits.

Johnny might be one of the most lovable, but tragic characters in cinema. He is a great friend, he has a successful career saving his bank money and helping mysterious clients, and he has time to kick back and play some football in Golden Gate Park. But you know what makes him a great character? He's always willing to give some sage advice to his friends. If you have any problems, talk to Johnny, and he will help you. Isn't he fucking great? Of course. Even the lady and her doggie at the local flower shop love good 'ol Johnny.

This makes the ending of this film so goddamn powerful. After getting into a heated and tense altercation with Mark over his and Lisa's betrayal, Johnny locks himself in his bathroom. This is a place where he goes to have good times, and also bad times. See, this is symbolism. The title of the movie refers to the bathroom. Deep, huh? I think so. Anyways, so he comes out of the bathroom, and argues with Lisa one last time. Then...the unthinkable happens. He trashes his apartment in a furious rage, even going so far as to toss his television out the window! Eesh. Then, he finds the red dress he bought Lisa and proceeds to dry hump it. Then...he shoots himself. You are tearing me apart, movie!!! I cry every time. A powerful commentary on relationships and how they can affect us. And if...we can really trust anyone. Good stuff.

This film is a classic. Final score: 10/10.