Every once in awhile a film comes out and, it shows the labour of love that goes into filmmaking. I instantly cringe when I first hear about these films because they generally play it up…for laughs. Which…irks me, being a filmmaker. Generally movies about Hollywood are always terrible. A film about making a film is always a challenge because you have to figure out how to split the time between the “real life” happenings and the making of happenings.

It’s quite rare when an actor surprises me. This time it was James Franco. James played Tommy in a very sincere and passionate manner. He wasn’t trying to play Tommy. He was Tommy, even when a Franco fourth wall smirk emerged on occasion. I think having his younger brother Dave as his co-star helped ground him. After I got over Tommy’s uniqueness… the film began to grow on me. This film was saved by friendship. That was compelling me to keep watching too. I always tell people. Story matters. Relationships between characters matter. While watching Tommy take himself, the cast and crew into further madness… you could also see what was at stake for him. And, the beauty of Greg and Tommy’s friendship was on full display from the beginning and till the end. And, I was just blown away by it.

What I love about filmmaking is the bonding, the sense of community making a film creates. And, this film explored that process quite well. I did often have good cringe while watching. But, in this film it worked both ways. For people unaware of our labours… filmmaking labours they could see it. For those of us in the know… it was a refreshing… Oh I am not that bad sigh. The film is not perfect but, it worked. Tommy Wiseau had no idea what he was undertaking when he was making The Room. He had no filmmaking experience, yet he had some natural charisma and passion (or just money– Money talks).

SIDE NOTE: I love being on a film set. I can never get enough of watching audience reactions during movies I’ve seen dozens of times. I’m a people watcher… I’ll leave you with this…

This scene always fills me with so much joy and, I tear up often when I see. The music helps…a lot.

So The Disaster Artist, I’d say that you should SEE IT.