Few films have achieved the kind of legendary status that The Room has. Written, directed, produced, and starring Tommy Wiseau, this bizarre romantic drama has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cult phenomenon, often dubbed “the Citizen Kane of bad movies.” Let’s dive into its story, production, and the curious charm that made it unforgettable.
Detailed Summary
The Setup: “You’re Tearing Me Apart, Lisa!”
Johnny (Tommy Wiseau) is a successful banker living in San Francisco, engaged to Lisa (Juliette Danielle). Everything seems perfect—he’s loving, generous, and loyal. But Lisa grows bored with their relationship and starts an affair with Johnny’s best friend, Mark (Greg Sestero).
The film immediately shows cracks in its storytelling—awkward dialogue, strange pacing, and inexplicable character motivations—but that’s precisely what makes it so hypnotic.
The Affair Deepens
Lisa continues her secret relationship with Mark, while still pretending to be committed to Johnny. She manipulates her mother, Claudette, and other friends into believing Johnny is abusive, despite no real evidence. Claudette, meanwhile, casually reveals that she has breast cancer—only for this plot point to never be mentioned again.
The “Birthday Party” Meltdown
Tensions build until Johnny’s birthday party. Lisa flirts with Mark openly in front of everyone, prompting Johnny to lash out. Their argument spirals into chaos, and the film’s infamous line, “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!” is screamed into the cinematic void.
The party scene is the boiling point of The Room—awkwardly staged, emotionally nonsensical, yet undeniably captivating.
Movie Ending
Johnny discovers Lisa’s betrayal after secretly recording her phone calls (because apparently, his answering machine records everything). Devastated, he confronts Lisa, calling her and Mark out in a rage-filled breakdown.
Lisa mocks him and leaves to be with Mark. Alone in his apartment, Johnny becomes overwhelmed by despair. He smashes mirrors, rips apart his furniture, and screams incoherently. Finally, he takes out a gun and ends his life on the bed where much of the movie’s melodrama took place.
When Lisa and Mark return, they find Johnny’s lifeless body. Lisa breaks down, and Mark—suddenly filled with remorse—pushes her away, saying, “You killed him.” The film ends with their tears and a slow pan over Johnny’s body, underscored by somber music.
It’s bleak, shocking, and oddly tragic—especially given how emotionally detached most of the movie feels up to that point.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits scenes in The Room. Once the tragic ending fades out, the credits roll without any additional footage. However, many modern screenings include humorous audience interactions or commentary during the credits, turning the ending into a communal comedy experience.
Type of Movie
The Room is technically a romantic drama, but in reality, it’s more accurately described as an unintentional black comedy. Its melodrama, strange dialogue, and illogical editing give it a surreal, almost dreamlike quality.
Cast
- Tommy Wiseau as Johnny
- Juliette Danielle as Lisa
- Greg Sestero as Mark
- Philip Haldiman as Denny
- Carolyn Minnott as Claudette
- Dan Janjigian as Chris-R
- Mike Holmes, Robyn Paris, and others as Johnny’s bewildered circle of friends
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score, composed by Mladen Milicevic, is melodramatic and overbearing—perfectly matching the tone of the movie. It features soft rock ballads, including “You Are My Rose” by Kitra Williams, which adds an unintentionally cheesy flavor to the romantic scenes.
Filming Locations
Filming took place primarily in Los Angeles, despite the movie being set in San Francisco. Some exterior shots of the Golden Gate Bridge and skyline were inserted to create the illusion of location. Interestingly, Wiseau insisted on building indoor sets for scenes that could have been shot on real rooftops, resulting in the infamous “green screen roof” sequences that now live in cinematic infamy.
Awards and Nominations
Initially, The Room received no major awards and was considered a disaster upon release. However, over time it became a cult favorite, inspiring midnight screenings and audience participation traditions akin to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
In 2018, its legacy was cemented when The Disaster Artist—a film about the making of The Room—won a Golden Globe (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: James Franco).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Tommy Wiseau funded the $6 million production himself; no one knows exactly how he got the money.
- Wiseau insisted on shooting the film simultaneously in 35mm and HD video, a completely unnecessary and costly choice.
- Many actors and crew members quit mid-production due to Wiseau’s erratic behavior and unclear direction.
- Greg Sestero’s memoir The Disaster Artist offers a detailed look at the chaotic production and his friendship with Wiseau.
- Scenes were constantly rewritten on set, with dialogue often changed moments before filming.
Inspirations and References
Wiseau has claimed that The Room was inspired by Tennessee Williams and classic Hollywood dramas about betrayal and love. However, its execution turned those influences into something entirely its own—a surreal blend of soap opera and avant-garde absurdity.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are rumors that an alternate ending was shot in which Johnny drives off in his car instead of taking his life, but this version has never been publicly released. Several deleted subplots—like Denny’s drug problem and Claudette’s cancer—were filmed but never fully developed or concluded.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie inspired the 2013 memoir The Disaster Artist by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell, which details the behind-the-scenes chaos and Wiseau’s eccentric personality. It was later adapted into a 2017 film directed by James Franco. The book adds depth, humor, and heartbreak to the The Room’s bizarre legacy.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Johnny tossing a water bottle while shouting, “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!”
- Denny’s awkward rooftop confrontation with the drug dealer Chris-R.
- The bizarre football toss scenes that serve absolutely no purpose.
- Johnny’s rooftop breakdown: “I did not hit her! It’s not true! It’s bulls**t! I did not! Oh hi, Mark.”
Iconic Quotes
- “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!”
- “Oh hi, Mark.”
- “Everybody betray me! I’m fed up with this world!”
- “Anyway, how’s your sex life?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The framed pictures of spoons in Johnny’s apartment were actually stock photo placeholders that the crew forgot to replace. Fans now throw plastic spoons at the screen during showings.
- Wiseau’s insistence on filming every rooftop scene on a green screen set has become one of the film’s most parodied elements.
- The flower shop scene was filmed in one take because the shop owner didn’t realize she was being filmed.
Trivia
- The film’s original tagline was “Can you really trust anyone?”
- The title “The Room” was meant to represent a place where secrets are kept—but Wiseau has given multiple contradictory explanations over the years.
- The script contained over 400 continuity errors.
- The movie became a global phenomenon thanks to word-of-mouth, leading to sold-out midnight screenings decades after release.
Why Watch?
Because The Room is a cinematic experience unlike any other. It’s a masterpiece of earnest failure—so sincere in its attempt at drama that it becomes comedy gold. Whether you’re laughing, cringing, or quoting it for the hundredth time, there’s no denying its unique place in film history.
Director’s Other Movies
- The House That Drips Blood on Alex (2010) – short
- Big Shark (2023)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Disaster Artist (2017)
- Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
- Troll 2 (1990)
- Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
- Miami Connection (1987)
