The Room
It has taken years for this one-of-a-kind melodrama to reach our shores. Tommy Wiseau produced, wrote, directed and starred in, this…um, interesting feature film, allegedly based on a play (which has not been produced), and a novel (which has not been published).
When the film opened in the States in 2003, the publicity material likened the film's content to the works of Tennessee Williams. Following the ridicule that the film evoked in its audience, the publicity was altered, and the film was described as a "quirky, black comedy".
Wiseau's face has become familiar even to people who haven't seen the film, thanks to his renting a billboard for years that featured his distinctive visage to promote his film. Imagine a man with a long, dark mane, just like Charles I (except lanky), and a face that looks, well, a little melted. You get the picture. Add to that, an Eastern European accent whose origins nobody can quite pin down, the mellifluousness of his slurred speech and his occasional insane chuckle, and you have a man nobody can resist (laughing at). His accent and syncopated word emphasis make a mockery of an already ridiculous script, especially since many of his lines were dubbed.
Thankfully, in Q&A sessions, Wiseau has actively encouraged the audience to "express themselves" - which inevitably involves howls of laughter.
The Room refers, presumably, to the lounge of a couple who have been engaged for a number of years (the exact number changes…merely one of the inconsistencies in the storyline). The couple is comprised of Johnny (Wiseau), and his "future wife" Lisa (Danielle). It's a hell of a busy room they inhabit, as a number of other characters waltz in and out of their place, and engage in repetitive and ultimately pointless dialogue.
In spite of her fiancé's irresistible looks and charm, Lisa finds herself attracted to his best friend, Greg - a rather pretty man who looks like a leading man from a soapy, but who acts like a Thunderbird puppet. The consummation of their rather unconvincing passion creates discomfort, not only because they are betraying Johnny, but also because the deed occurs on a narrow, spiral staircase.
A number of sub-plots are alluded to and never heard of again, there are innumerable continuity gaffs and the dialogue is so bad that many of the film's lines have become (in)famous. One character is played by two different actors, though no explanation is given. There are ghastly green-screen scenes that make the film look as if it were made in 1983, rather than 2003. The soundtrack, too, is vintage cheese. There's literally not one decent scene in the entire film.
So why see it?
Precisely because it is so bad. Not bad in a dull, boring, keep-looking-at-your-watch kind of way, but in a laugh-out-loud, can't wait to share it with friends kind of way. Within five minutes, this viewer was mopping tears of laughter from her face.
The Room has gradually garnered a cult following. Fans of the film shout out lines during the screening, and shriek in horror during the sex scenes (which feature gratuitous shots of Wiseau's rather unattractive buttocks clenching as he thrusts his groin into what appears to be his co-star's midriff). There is an abundance of spoon-themed art in the film, which has prompted fans to take plastic spoons to screenings, and hurl them at the screen whenever the utensils appear before them (though, in the latter stages of the film, fans simply toss spoons about willy-nilly, having abandoned themselves entirely to the spirit of the film).
As you'll learn, most of the characters who visit Johnny and Lisa's "Room" have to leave with great urgency ("I've gotta go" is an oft-repeated line in the film). But you'll cherish every hilarious minute you spend in The Room.
The Room is screening throughout February at Cinema Nova each Saturday evening, from February 6th. The cinema will be issuing viewing guides to give The Room novices an idea of what to expect, and why, and makes for an entertaining beforehand.
Watch out for an uncredited performance by the pug dog in the flower shop. It's a fleeting moment, but the chemistry between Wiseau and the pooch is powerful. Let's hope this talented canine is involved in Wiseau's future projects.
Yes, Wiseau has projects in the pipeline, including a sitcom which is bound to be (unintentionally) funny.
You've been warned.
To avoid disappointment prebook tickets at the Cinema Nova website.