{"id":1346,"date":"2018-07-11T11:30:42","date_gmt":"2018-07-11T09:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/this-weeks-blu-ray-the-disaster-artist\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:19:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:19:09","slug":"this-weeks-blu-ray-the-disaster-artist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/this-weeks-blu-ray-the-disaster-artist\/","title":{"rendered":"This Week’s Blu-ray: The Disaster Artist"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of this year’s Oscar-nominated films for Best Picture was James Franco’s compelling The Disaster Artist<\/strong>, where he directs and stars as Tommy Wiseau: the enigmatic figure who created what is often called the “world’s worst film,” The Room<\/em>. Henric has previously reviewed the film in theaters<\/a>, offering a more detailed plot summary. Here, we will focus on the Blu-ray edition, recently released.<\/p>\n

Tommy Wiseau, the actor and filmmaker, invested heavily in creating his magnum opus, The Room<\/em>, filming on both 35 mm and digital video (DV). This combination was unconventional, particularly as early 2000s DV differs significantly in quality from contemporary digital film, and especially from 35 mm. Franco’s film adaptation replicates this choice, resulting in deliberate fluctuations in picture quality, even on the Blu-ray edition. However, the quality never degrades to a significant degree; instead, it enhances the authenticity and captures the aesthetic of the era.<\/p>\n

The audio quality is commendable, featuring ample bass and well-balanced dialogue primarily routed through the front speakers. Surround sound is used judiciously and appropriately, as one would expect in a drama\/black comedy.<\/p>\n

The supplemental material presents a mixed experience. The commentary track with the Franco brothers, Wiseau, and Sestero (whom the Francos portray in the film) stands out as the most entertaining. It provides a blend of anecdotes and eccentricities. The remaining three featurettes are less essential; excerpts from them also appear at the beginning of the film.<\/p>\n

On the downside, the Swedish subtitles exhibit a noticeable lack of polish, containing numerous spelling errors that detract from the viewing experience. At times, it’s unclear whether the translator is attempting to emulate Tommy Wiseau’s idiosyncratic grammar or simply performed the translation with insufficient care.<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/span> The Disaster Artist<\/em> is a tragicomic film that effectively captures the warmth and genuine passion inherent in filmmaking, even when the result is considered poor. James Franco delivers a masterful performance as Tommy Wiseau (the controversies surrounding allegations of sexual harassment may have impacted his lack of an Oscar nomination, despite winning numerous other awards that year), and the supporting cast also excels. It would have been easy for Franco’s adaptation to devolve into a mockery of the eccentric individual who calls himself Tommy Wiseau, claims to be from New Orleans (despite his evident Eastern European accent), and seemingly has unlimited funds. Instead, the film becomes a story about dreams, unexpected friendship, perseverance in the face of adversity, and making the most of life’s circumstances to achieve a goal and a degree of success, even with something deemed “the worst.” Furthermore, it prompts reflection on the thousands of mediocre films and filmmakers who will never attain the same cult status or audience. This achievement is worth witnessing and including in your collection, particularly during times of difficulty and perceived injustice.<\/p>\n