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A very special screening of “The Disaster Artist,” the 2017 Golden Globe Award-winning film, will be presented in the South Pasadena Public Library Community Room on Friday, August 10 at 7 pm. The hilarious romp tells the bizarre, almost-unbelievable true story of the making of “The Room,” a cult movie sensation that has continually played to sold out midnight theater audiences around the world –ever since it was first foisted on unsuspecting movie audiences in 2003.
“The Disaster Artist” centers on the challenges of the mysterious Tommy Wiseau, who emerged out of nowhere to write, direct, and star in “The Room” which has been called “The Citizen Kane of Bad Movies.” The plot of “The Disaster Artist” also rotates aroundthe challenges of Tommy’s newfound best friend Greg Sestero to help him pursue his dreams and complete “The Room” despite its formidable challenges, not the least of which is an ever-changing, semi-incoherent script.
While “The Room” might be delightfully amateurish at best, “The Disaster Artist” is a top notch movie experience all the way. It was directed by and stars James Franco, who in 2018 was awarded a Golden Globe for his brilliant portrayal of Tommy. James’ younger brother, Dave Franco plays Greg. Lively performances by screen luminaries Bryan Cranston, Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffith, Seth Rogen, and Alison Brie also enliven the proceedings throughout.
In addition to the ‘Disaster Artist” screening, the Library event will also feature a Q &A with Greg Sestero who wrote “The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made,” published by Simon & Schuster in 2013. It affectionately shares his insights and misadventures during the making “The Room.” Greg’s book won for Best Non-Fiction at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards in 2014. “The Disaster Artist” audiobook, narrated by Sestero, was nominated for Best Humor Audiobook at the 2015 Audie Awards. In 2017, Greg Sestero’s memoir became a “New York Times” bestseller around the time that its movie adaptation was becoming a huge popular and critical success.
Greg Sestero is also a producer and model. He was born in Walnut Creek, California and resides in South Pasadena. In some ways his writing career began when he was only 10 years-old and sent his script for a sequel to “Home Alone” to John Hughes, who didn’t make the movie, but sent his high praise back to the budding writer. For the library event, a Q & A with Greg will be moderated by Carl Kozlowski, film critic and arts editor of the “Pasadena Weekly.” Audience members will be able to pop Greg some questions as well.
Autographed copies of “The Disaster Artist” book and DVD will be available for purchase. The event will also showcase a mini-exhibit of paintings and drawings by “The ____Artist,” known in some quarters as LA-based artist Dominique Heffley.
The Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and seats are limited. Refreshments will be served and no tickets or reservations are necessary.
Free parking is available in the South Pasadena Unified School District lot at 1020 El Centro Street (entrance from Fairview Avenue between El Centro and Mission) and after noon at the Mission Meridian Parking Garage located at 805 Meridian Avenue adjacent to the Metro Gold Line Station, only one block from the Library.
Upon request made no later than four (4) business days before the event, the City will provide a reasonable accommodation for a qualified person with a disability to have equal access to the event. Please contact ADA Coordinator and Human Resources Manager, Mariam Lee Ko, at (626) 403-7312 or fill out the City’s request form available at www.southpasadenaca.gov and email the form to Human Resources at HR@southpasadenaca.gov
