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Cult hit proves a surprise smash
We had a quick chat with director Tommy Wiseau about his film The Room which is currently playing in Australia
Those who have seen Tommy Wiseau's surprise cult hit The Room would know it isn't like watching just any movie - it's an experience.
The Room opened to a sold out crowd at Cinema Nova in Melbourne earlier this month where excited audience members arrived armed with plastic spoons to hurl at the screens, footballs to pass around in the aisles and dressed as their favourite characters from this melodramatic "disasterpiece."
For those unfamiliar with the narrative, The Room tells the story of Johnny (played by writer/director Wiseau), a regular guy from San Francisco, whose girlfriend Lisa is cheating on him with his best friend Mark.
It may sound simple on its surface but this film explores myriad important social issues which range from drug use and job security to losing underwear and tuxedo football.
When asked whether he meant for the film to be socially topical, Wiseau replies, "No, I want people to have fun with my project," but he does admit to feeling that "my job is to provoke the audience."
Released in 2003, the film was panned by critics but in somewhat of an accidental success story, The Room has built up a sizeable cult following and is continually being screened in cinemas for new fans and those who know the film by heart.
Asked what he thinks about people who have criticised the film but admitted to immensely enjoying it, Wiseau says, "Yes, it is a contradiction. But you can laugh, you can cry, you can express yourself however you want."
Wiseau is excited that Australian audiences have a chance to discover or relive all the fun of Johnny and his friends. "I love it, and I'm planning to go to Australia to say hello to the fans and audiences of The Room. Thank you for your support and I love you all."
The Room is currently screening at Melbourne's Cinema Nova and has extended its run through to March. The film is also set to play at Perth's Luna Cinema and Sydney with venue and dates not yet specified.