Talks at Google Ep505 - James Franco | The Disaster Artist
Dec 6, 2024
James Franco, a versatile actor, writer, director, and producer, dives into the chaotic world of 'The Disaster Artist,' based on Greg Sestero's memoir about making the cult classic 'The Room.' He shares insights into the bizarre production history of this so-called 'bad movie' and the unique friendship between Sestero and Tommy Wiseau. Franco discusses his growth as a director, the significance of mentorship, and the joy of capturing unconventional artistry. He also touches on sibling dynamics in filmmaking and the humorous challenges of recreating scenes from 'The Room.'
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Franco's Introduction to *The Room*
- James Franco first saw The Room years after its release and was initially perplexed by its billboard.
- He later read Greg Sestero's book, The Disaster Artist, and was fascinated by the story behind the film.
A Wiseau Coincidence
- While jogging in San Francisco, Franco stumbled upon a poster of Tommy Wiseau and a Levi's jeans advertisement.
- This reminded him of Wiseau's claim that he made his money selling jeans, a story Franco recreated for The Disaster Artist.
Wiseau's Ironic Success
- Wiseau capitalized on The Room's unintentional comedic appeal, rewriting his image as a comedic genius.
- Unlike other cult-classic "bad movie" directors, he embraced the audience's laughter and cultivated a persona around it.