Tommy Wiseau shows off his acting range in one of the film's many unintentionally hilarious scenes.
Of course, for the sake of the unitiated, a brief summary is necessary. In 2003, a low-budget film called The Room was released. Directed by and starring amateur filmmaker Tommy Wiseau, the movie gained instant notoriety due to its inept direction, appalling acting, endlessly quotable dialogue and ludicrously melodramatic plot. Over the intervening years, it has become somewhat of a cult hit, and screenings are now boisterous affairs that involve regular audience participation, open derision and a deluge of plastic cutlery. It markets itself, entirely justifiably, as a modern successor to Plan 9 from Outer Space and Robot Monster, and takes a well-earned place in the annals of ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ cinema.
One may well view all this with some skepticism. In this era of media construction, after all, is it unreasonable to speculate that the film’s ‘cult’ status and artlessness might be manufactured? It’s possible, but unlikely. If this were the case, it would have to be said that Wiseau possesses a level of subtlety heretofore non-existent in American cinema; besides, it is actually difficult to believe that anybody could make this up.
A more valid criticism might relate to the audience participation. Yes, it’s a fun and refreshing experience to engage in spoon-throwing, catcalls and general unruliness at the cinema, but what does this actually say about the film itself? Would it not be equally amusing to do so at a screening of any number of the lifeless Hollywood-produced films churned out each year?
It’s debatable. Certainly, it’s likely that watching The Room on DVD at home would be more of an excruciating experience than an entertaining one; still, it cannot be denied that the film possesses an ineptitude that goes beyond the functional mediocrity of Hollywood cinema, which kind of works in its favour. It is the (albeit misplaced) sincerity of The Room that makes it far more watchable than so many dull, processed studio products. While we may find ourselves crying with laughter during the overwrought finale, it is difficult to not feel at least slightly affectionate towards Wiseau and his train-wreck of a film after the credits roll. Perhaps, in a perverse way, he has managed to contribute a little more creativity and amusement to a cinematic landscape that is in dire need of both qualities.
Directed by Tommy Wiseau
Starring Tommy Wiseau
RATING:
★
