The Disaster Artist

This bromantic comedy takes an affectionate and eccentric look at the making of cult catastrophe The Room, a film so staggeringly terrible it became a phenomenon. Directed by and starring James Franco as ostentatious enigma Tommy Wiseau, it co-stars Franco's brother Dave as Greg Sestero, a fledgling actor whom Wiseau whisks off to Los Angeles after the pair meet at acting class. Tommy's unwarranted confidence is perversely inspiring and the duo's budding friendship is depicted with real warmth before the production of Wiseau's pet project causes reality to bite. Based on Sestero's memoir, The Disaster Artist is sympathetic to Wiseau and frank about his demons. James Franco launches himself at the once-in-a-lifetime role with uncanny, often hysterical results, while Seth Rogen counters expertly as The Room's incredulous script supervisor. The side-by-side comparisons at the close are unnecessary and, combined with an abundance of celebrity cameos, tip proceedings towards the smug. Nevertheless, this largely triumphant laugh-fest has the pathos and amiability to feel like a celebration, rather than castigation, of a truly "singular" film-maker.