James Franco succeeds in may ways

Rating: 7/10 (22 January 2018)

Based on a true story: In a San Francisco acting class around 2003, Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) befriends the younger Greg Sestero (Dave Franco). They move to Los Angeles and eventually create "The Room" which is considered one of the worst movies ever made and presently has a cult following.
The story leaves Greg with a very difficult moral dilemma. He owes much to Tommy for providing him a place to live in Los Angles as well as a major role in his movie. But Tommy - who is a total nutcase with a mysteriously, infinite source of money - has no social graces and becomes a tyrant on the movie set where he is the producer, director, and star. It's easy to see why Greg is so conflicted internally.
Much praise can be given to James Franco on the fronts of both director and actor. As a director, he keeps the tension levels varied with moments of craziness, sympathy, and the occasional blow-ups on the movie set. As an actor, he is fully believable as an other-worldly eccentric who is hilarious most of the time in both subtle and bombastic ways, always oblivious to the world around him. He also shows a vulnerable side when he feels betrayed and humiliated.
More praise can be given to all actors especially those who come off as bad actors in acting classes and auditions. This is not easy.
"The Disaster Artist" proves, yet again, that truth is stranger than fiction. It also follows "La La Land" in a hopefully new revival of Hollywood playing itself.