Monday, March 12, 2018

2018 OSCARS: The Disaster Artist (2017) - Tone & Finding That Fine Line

[Quick Summary: Actor/director Tommy Wiseau and new friend Greg Sestero live out their dreams by unintentionally making the greatest bad movie, The Room.]

I was intrigued by this adaption.

First, it was not a run-of-the-mill, behind-the-scenes story, despite the ad campaign.  It actually was a deeper story about friendship and dreams.

Second, the tone walked a fine line that leaned to heartfelt vs. too comedic or unkind.

In this DGA interview, actor/director James Franco talks about crafting tone and cites these key factors:

- The main character has an "affable arrogance" that made it ok to laugh at him.
- The book's tone set the stage.  It emphasized "relatable" rather than mocking.
- Franco went to writers known for 'relationship' films.
- They aimed for a funny, crazy story, but it was more about dreamers than comedy.

In the scene below, notice that it's ironic, funny, but does not ridicule.

Tommy's "I-know-everything" arrogance makes it easy for Peter and Bill to sell double the equipment. 

Is this taking advantage? No, because Tommy WANTS to be sold all of it.

We laugh because Tommy can't see the flaw (and probably doesn't want to either).

ex.  "INT. BIRNS & SAWYER PRODUCTION SOUNDSTAGE - DAY

...BILL: Hey, customer's always right, right? So, uh, you looking to shoot 35 or HD?

Tommy clearly has no idea what that means.

TOMMY: I shoot both.

Peter and Bill are flabbergasted. Greg tries to be helpful.

GREG: I think he's asking if you want to shoot on digital or film.

TOMMY: My ears work. I want to shoot with both cameras.

BILL: But...you can't do both.

TOMMY: Why not?

PETER: You would need twice the equipment, twice the crew...They're not even lit the same --It's just not done.

TOMMY: So what you're saying is...I will be first.

PETER: What I'm saying is... NO ONE. WOULD EVER. Do it.

TOMMY: Exactly. (beat) I am not no one. I am Wiseau.

Greg high fives Tommy. Bill and Peter are stunned. Who are these guys? Peter is about to respond when Bill intervenes.

BILL: Can you gentlemen give us a moment?

Bill and Peter step off to the side. We can't hear what they're saying but they talk animatedly while keeping a keen eye on Tommy and Greg. After a few more beats, Peter and Bill return. Their attitude very different.

PETER: So we talked about it. We'll sell you all the equipment you need. And we'll give you a reduced rate on everything if you decide to shoot here.

TOMMY: Good. I like this spot.

Peter looks to Bill. They're trying to contain themselves.

PETER: Terrific! Sounds like we have a deal."

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I thought tone was key in capturing the atmosphere around this confusing, well-meaning, selfish, contradictory, arrogant character.

It showed us what he was like without telling us what to think about him.

The Disaster Artist (2017)
by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber
Adapted from the book, "The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made," by Greg Sestero & Tom Bissell

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