The Disaster Artist | James Franco | Talks at Google

TL;DR

James Franco discusses his new film "The Disaster Artist" and the unique story behind Tommy Wiseau's cult classic film "The Room."

Transcript

JAMES FRANCO: Wow, so good to be here. [CHEERING] I grew up in Palo Alto long before Google existed. And then at Palo Alto High, I was in class. I was the same year as Lisa Brennan-Jobs, Steve Jobs's daughter. And we were on the newspaper together, "The Campanile." And my teacher, Esther Wojcicki-- we called her Woj-- then became the mother-in-law ... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ "The Room" has gained a cult following despite being a poorly made film, highlighting the power of a passionate creator and the draw of unconventional success.
• 💦 James Franco and his brother, Dave Franco, collaborated on "The Disaster Artist," and working with family turned out to be a positive experience.
• 🧑‍🏭 The recreation of scenes from "The Room" in "The Disaster Artist" was a meticulous process, where the actors studied the original film shot by shot to create an authentic tribute.
• 👻 Playing Tommy Wiseau allowed James Franco to explore the parallels between his own career and Wiseau's journey as a filmmaker.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did James Franco get involved with "The Disaster Artist" and why did he find the story of Tommy Wiseau and "The Room" interesting?

James Franco became interested in "The Room" after reading the book "The Disaster Artist" written by Greg Sestero. He was drawn to the story of following one's dreams and the unique Hollywood success story.

Q: What is the significance of the recreation of scenes from "The Room" in "The Disaster Artist"?

The recreation of scenes from "The Room" was a fun and challenging aspect of the film production. It allowed the actors to mimic the movements and acting style of Tommy Wiseau, and it showcased the dedication and passion of the original film.

Q: How did James Franco approach directing "The Disaster Artist" and what did he learn from previous directing experiences?

James Franco learned the importance of working with talented collaborators and producers who were experienced in their field. He credits his time working on the HBO show "The Deuce" as a learning experience that helped shape his directorial approach for "The Disaster Artist."

Summary & Key Takeaways

• James Franco talks about his personal connection to the story of Tommy Wiseau and "The Room."

• The film "The Disaster Artist" is a combination of a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Room" and a story about dreamers following their passions.

• The recreation of scenes from "The Room" in "The Disaster Artist" was a fun and challenging part of the film production.