The Room is one of the worst films ever made. Really. It is terrible in every aspect. The dialogue is awkward and stilted and the plot makes no sense at all. It features some of the worst acting in the history of cinema. The plot, though I hesitate to call it that, centers around Johnny, played by Tommy Wiseau who wrote, directed, produced and starred in this travesty, and his selfish cheating fiancée Lisa. Punctuated by semi-pornographic sex scenes and bad catchphrases, the story relates the collapse of their relationship as Lisa becomes restless and cheats on Johnny with his ‘best friend’. Random characters with no discernible reasons for being there appear sporadically along with obscure plot points that are mentioned once but never have any effect.
Having said that, watching The Room is another matter. As long as you see it in a massive group of people who are all extremely inebriated and you are fine with offensive diatribe shouted at a screen, you’ll enjoy this immensely.
Here are some of the rules, though if you intend to see the film I recommend you find the full list online. At various points throughout the film the décor features spoons - it looks rather like someone went to IKEA and never removed the sample picture from the frame. Take advantage of this, bring plastic spoons and throw them at the screen whenever they appear - it is immensely satisfying. Another fun Room activity is to shout ‘because you’re a woman’ at any moment it feasibly makes sense. When Lisa is told by her mother she cannot support herself it is ‘because you’re a woman’. You get the idea. When one of the many random stock footage shots of San Francisco appears on screen make note of it by shouting ‘meanwhile, back in San Francisco’. The list is very long and should most definitely be consulted before the show in order to get the most out of it. Also if you are a Room Virgin, make sure to bring someone experienced with you - it’s more fun if someone knows where everything goes.
If seen in controlled circumstances (read drunk) the experience is entertaining. Keep in mind you will not enjoy the film, but the camaraderie that emerges from such obsessive group hatred is oddly engaging and makes for an enjoyable night out.
