The Room (2003): review

A cult film carrying enormous expectations

After The Disaster Artist, I wanted to see the film whose production it depicts. Its countless clips and reputation as one of the worst films ever made raised enormous expectations of an especially entertaining disaster. The Room is certainly strange, but my enjoyment was more limited than that reputation had suggested.

A drama that loses its focus

Johnny, Lisa and his best friend Mark stand at the centre of a romantic triangle. That should provide a clear dramatic conflict. Tommy Wiseau’s screenplay instead distributes its attention across numerous supporting characters and additional problems. Much of it feels disconnected. These diversions repeatedly pull focus from the central relationship rather than deepening it.

Where the accidental comedy comes from

The strange dialogue, Wiseau’s performance and the unusual reactions certainly produce laughs. At the same time, not every performance fails to the same degree. Juliette Danielle finds a recognisable attitude within a poorly written Lisa. The staging is chaotic, yet that very disorder has a certain charm.

The production is not simply cheap

I was surprised that the costumes, sets and overall setting look considerably more polished than expected. It does not strike me as a completely shabby low-budget production. The piano-led soundtrack also brings a melancholy note that suits the intended tragedy. Individual craft elements work even while the whole struggles to hold together.

Verdict

I partly understand the cult around The Room, but I do not fully share its enthusiasm. Viewers who enjoy unusual films and can overlook many faults may have fun with it. For me, it remains an unsuccessful drama with eccentric charm rather than the overwhelming comic experience I expected. My rating is 4 out of 10, with a wink.