The Disaster Artist (2017) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Disaster Artist (2017), directed by James Franco, is a biographical comedy-drama that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Room (2003), widely regarded as one of the best worst movies ever made. The film is based on Greg Sestero’s memoir, The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, which recounts the bizarre journey of the cult classic’s creation. Franco stars in the film alongside his brother, Dave Franco, and a talented supporting cast that includes Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, and Seth Rogen.
Plot Summary
The Disaster Artist chronicles the unlikely friendship between Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) and Tommy Wiseau (James Franco), the enigmatic and eccentric filmmaker behind The Room. The film begins with Sestero and Wiseau meeting at an acting class in San Francisco, where Wiseau’s peculiar behavior and mysterious background quickly make him an outlier.
As Wiseau decides to make his own film, he recruits Sestero to co-star and help with the project. Despite lacking the necessary resources and skills, Wiseau embarks on creating The Room, which becomes infamous for its poor quality, baffling narrative, and wooden performances. The film offers a humorous yet empathetic look at Wiseau’s obsessive quest to achieve his dream of becoming a Hollywood star, as well as the struggles and absurdities faced by everyone involved in the production.
The film juxtaposes the outlandish aspects of the making of The Room with the genuine camaraderie between Sestero and Wiseau, ultimately portraying Wiseau as a tragic figure whose ambition and desire for recognition led to an unexpected cultural phenomenon.
Critical Reception
The Disaster Artist was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised James Franco’s performance as Tommy Wiseau. Franco’s portrayal captures Wiseau’s eccentricity and intensity while also humanizing the character, showing his vulnerability and unfulfilled dreams.
The film was noted for its balance of comedy and drama, effectively blending humorous moments with a touching story of friendship. Critics appreciated the film’s ability to both entertain and provide insight into the creation of a cultural oddity. The screenplay, adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, was also recognized for its clever and affectionate depiction of the making of The Room.
The film’s success was highlighted by its various awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for James Franco, and several nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Themes and Analysis
The Disaster Artist explores several key themes:
- Ambition and Dreams: The film portrays Tommy Wiseau’s relentless ambition to achieve success and recognition, despite his lack of experience and resources. Wiseau’s drive to create his film, despite numerous obstacles, reflects the intense personal aspirations that can both inspire and lead to failure.
- Friendship and Loyalty: At its core, the film is about the friendship between Greg Sestero and Tommy Wiseau. Sestero’s loyalty and support for Wiseau, despite the difficulties and absurdities of the project, highlight the complexities of their relationship and the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing a dream.
- The Nature of Creativity: The Disaster Artist delves into the nature of creativity and artistic ambition. It shows how a singular vision, even if misguided or poorly executed, can lead to unexpected outcomes and resonate with audiences in unforeseen ways. The film also humorously critiques the often chaotic and unpredictable nature of the creative process.
- Cultural Phenomena: The film provides insight into how The Room became a cult classic, celebrated for its flaws and eccentricities. It examines how a film that is technically poor can achieve a unique place in popular culture, appreciated for its unintentional humor and distinctive qualities.
Where to Watch The Disaster Artist Online
If you’re interested in watching The Disaster Artist (2017), several streaming and rental options are available:
1. Streaming Services
- Hulu: The Disaster Artist is available for streaming on Hulu. Subscribers can enjoy the film as part of their Hulu catalog, which includes a variety of movies and TV shows.
- Amazon Prime Video: The Disaster Artist may also be available for streaming with an Amazon Prime membership. It’s worth checking the platform for availability, as streaming options can vary.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Video: You can rent or purchase The Disaster Artist on Amazon Video. Rental prices typically start around $3.99, with purchase options available for approximately $12.99. The film can be streamed on various devices linked to your Amazon account.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers rental and purchase options for The Disaster Artist. Rentals generally cost around $3.99, while purchasing the film starts at about $12.99. It can be streamed on Android devices and via YouTube.
- Apple iTunes: The Disaster Artist is available for rental or purchase on Apple iTunes. Rentals usually cost around $3.99, and purchasing the film typically costs $12.99. The film can be streamed on any Apple device.
- Vudu: Vudu provides rental and purchase options for The Disaster Artist, with prices similar to those on other platforms. Vudu’s service is compatible with most devices, making it a convenient option for viewing.
Conclusion
The Disaster Artist (2017) offers a fascinating and entertaining look at the making of The Room, combining humor with a heartfelt story of friendship and ambition. James Franco’s standout performance and the film’s exploration of the creative process make it a compelling watch for fans of both The Room and biographical comedies.
With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to access and enjoy this film. Whether you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes story of a cult classic or simply enjoy a well-crafted comedy-drama, The Disaster Artist provides an engaging and insightful experience.
