F*ck 3D--"The Room" Is the Only Movie You Truly Have to See in a Theater

Surely, you've all seen trailers for The Room (2003), which is considered to be one of the worst films ever made, a passion project produced, written, and directed by a mysterious, probably Austrian "visionary" named Tommy Wiseau. In case you don't know what I'm talking about or need a reminder, watch this:



Some friends and I went to a midnight screening of The Room last weekend (it plays every last Friday and Saturday of every month at the Laemmle Sunset 5 in Los Angeles and all over the world), and I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was one of the most fun and gratifying experiences I've ever had going to the movies.

Yes, the film is bad—and, subsequently, unintentionally funny—but audiences over the last seven years or so have been able to perfect the brilliant stream of audience-participation bits—yelling hilarious commentary at the screen, acting out the movie's weird football sequences, throwing plastic spoons in honor of the framed spoon artwork that appears much too often, and at one point marching out of the theater in mock indignation and protest. Sure, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the granddaddy of audience-participation films, but, since people are laughing AT The Room, it's a mind-bending experience. (By the way, don't feel bad for Tommy Wiseau, he's savvy enough to laugh at the film too—all the way to the bank.)

The fact that theatergoers could collectively shape the MST3K-like commentary (which, I presume, continues to evolve) gives me faith in humankind. No. Seriously.

Do not watch this movie on DVD—even with a group of people! Go to a screening!

Visit The Room website for screening information.

Read about the history of The Room and its cult status among Hollywood celebrities. (Michael Cera was there the night I went!)