IU welcomes the return of 'The Room'

Tuesday, the Whittenberger Auditorium of the Indiana Memorial Union reached its 400-person capacity for an event that attracted individuals from all over. Armed with plastic spoons, they may have appeared peculiar to outsiders but all shared a common purpose: to experience the infamous film with director and actor Tommy Wiseau and actor Greg Sestero.

Wiseau and Sestero are the stars of the cult film “The Room,” created by Wiseau. The film, a melodrama about a love triangle, screened Tuesday, and both of the main stars came to IU to greet their fans and do a Q&A session.

Film critics all over the country have frequently referred to the film as the “worst movie of all time,” which is exactly how the movie achieved its fame.

IU student Jessica Ullrich described “The Room” as “a combination of Pringles and the Hindenburg.” Another student, Keith Loman, said it was like “a monkey swallowing a hand grenade.” Both agreed that it was “sad, but you can’t look away.”

Other attendees said the film was “indescribable” and even “transcendental.” Students Holly Venhuizen and Zach Sievers said they felt watching “The Room” resulted in a newfound respect for the rest of the cinema industry.

“We’re hoping the movie will induce labor because it’s so bad,” Bloomington resident Patrick Feaster said, referring to his wife Ronda Sewald, who was a week overdue to give birth.

Despite what may appear to be a negative sentiment, the event attendees greeted Wiseau with screams and applause. Fans yelled things such as “I love you Tommy” and “I feel so alive.”

Even with a lack of conventional fame, Wiseau’s presence was met by the excited energy in the auditorium.

“Everyone’s ready for a ‘Wiseau-ver dose,’” student Kristina Majors said.
Wiseau first arrived to greet the guests and introduce the film. He was clad in a pinstripe suit and sunglasses, with his long black hair let down.

Once the movie began, so did audience participation. Cues from the movie triggered synchronized actions and sayings. Possibly most notable was the throwing of plastic spoons every time a spoon appeared on screen. The film, for an unknown reason, had background artwork exclusively featuring spoons, resulting in a shower of spoons sporadically throughout the film.

In addition, viewers recited the most famous lines with the actors and sang along with the background music playing during explicit love scenes. Jokes were yelled over the movie and laughter was consistent to the very end.

Following the film, Wiseau and Sestero returned to the stage for their Q&A, bantering with questioners and even calling some on stage. At one point, a fan asked Wiseau how he had become “so awesome.” Wiseau replied, “Study, study, study and you will be too.”

Union Board Comedy committee member Adrian Love said he felt that the event went very well and that it appeared everyone enjoyed themselves.

Wiseau said that fans should keep an eye out for the book adaptation to be published soon. He also said that they might be coming back next year for any fans that might have missed out but that there was a stipulation.

“It’s up to you guys,” he said.