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The Disaster Artist 2017

Movie · 103 min · English · March 12, 2017

Biographical drama Comedy-drama Independent

Directed by James FrancoWritten by Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber

Starring James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Ari Graynor, Alison Brie

A 2017 American biographical comedy-drama film, The Disaster Artist follows the story of an unexpected bond between two aspiring actors, Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero. This film was directed, co-produced, and starred by James Franco, who also served as one of the writers alongside Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. It is based on a 2013 non-fiction book by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell, detailing how their friendship led to the making of Wiseau’s 2003 movie The Room, now seen as one of cinema's most critically panned films. The roles of Wiseau and Sestero are portrayed by brothers James and Dave Franco, respectively, with additional performances from Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson, Jacki Weaver, and Seth Rogen.

Filming started on December 8, 2015. A version of the movie debuted at South by Southwest on March 12, 2017 before being shown at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11. It also screened at the 2017 San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Shell, marking the first time an American film received this award since A Thousand Years of Good Prayers in 2007.

The movie was released in North America by A24 and internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures. It had a limited release beginning on December 1, 2017, followed by a wider release on December 8, 2017. Critics responded positively, highlighting the chemistry between the Franco brothers and their portrayals of Wiseau and Sestero, as well as the film’s humor and script. The Disaster Artist was selected as one of the top ten films of 2017 by the National Board of Review. At the 75th Golden Globe Awards, James Franco was honored with Best Actor – Musical or Comedy; the film also received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Franco was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards, while the movie earned a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards.