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Tommy Wiseau, creator of THE ROOM and the new TV show THE NEIGHBORS, available now on Hulu. AMA!
Youcanlaughyoucancryyoucanexpressyourselfbutpleasedon'thurteachother.
Have fun with it!
http://www.hulu.com/the-neighbors-2015
https://www.facebook.com/theroommovie
Victoria is helping via phone.
Edit I would like to say that I love you all, and hope you continue to support THE NEIGHBORS and future of my projects, and I would say thanks a lot, I hope to see you at next screening of THE ROOM! Think positive! And also, I love you all! And of course, see THE NEIGHBORS on Hulu and write to your TV station, because we want to present THE NEIGHBORS on TV. http://www.hulu.com/the-neighbors-2015
another-cheap-writer2284 karma
Was Jonny truely her favourite customer?
Edit: my highest rated comment is about the room, my life's complete
cmallard20112269 karma
Oh hi Tommy.
In The Room, it’s pretty clear that the character of Lisa was meant to symbolize temptation and the evil that jealousy between friends and lovers can create. Could you elaborate more on what Lisa’s actions in the film say about our society and the moral degradation of America as a whole?
RealTommyWiseau2233 karma
GREAT Question!
First of all, you can compare Lisa to Eleezabeth Taylor, to when she did CLEOPATRA. The ladies, they don't have to wear jeans, they can wear dresses to be very powerful.
So Lisa's character is very powerful. She represents American society.
So that's my answer. Move on, next one!
Vettelaw1949 karma
Mr. Wiseau,
I am getting married in the near future and already have plans to throw a football around in an alley with my groomsmen. Any pointers on how to keep the game moving and to elicit the best awkward laughs from my groomsman for the videographer to pick up? Also, how can I best avoid injury?
Thanks for all you do.
RealTommyWiseau2076 karma
Absolutely.
I encourage you to do that number 1. And don't call me Mr. Wiseau, I hate that, but I wish you luck in new direction in my life, and play football before you to go bed, and play football before you drink, before you get tipsy.
ABSOLUTELY - be the first one! Send me the clip! Absolutely! An invitation maybe! I wish you luck!
gabzz1031353 karma
Ohai Tommy, other than yourself, who do you think had the best performance in The Room?
Also, why do you think that Denny was buying drugs from Chris-R to the point that he owed him a significant amount of money?
RealTommyWiseau2354 karma
I think everybody did a good job. All the actors were extremely dedicate. We had researhsal, I encourage peopel to actually think about twice before re-writing, bashing actors, because all the actors did a very good job. In the media, they said they didn't know what they were doing, but we had regular rehearsal, six months before, so everything was done very professionally, and actor did very good job. So I think everybody did good, equally well.
The reason for it was because he want to sell it, he want to make money you know?
Look at today's society. Everything you see in the Room is related to real life.
NotSureHowThingsWork1101 karma
Oh hi Tommy,
What was your favorite room when you were a kid? Mine was the fish-tank room in the back of the pet store... something about the aquarium lights in the darkness soothed me.
Notmychairnotmyprobz1091 karma
Oh hai Tommy! If you could play catch with one person, alive or dead, who would it be?
RealTommyWiseau1641 karma
Hehehehehehee.
Somebody would hear this would probably be laughing, but Joe Montana, hahaha!
suaveitguy1064 karma
Any news on the James Franco film of the making of The Room? Have you met with him? What do you think of that project?
RealTommyWiseau1950 karma
Aw, I support him 100% perfect. He is very cool guy. But at this time, we have agreement, I cannot talk about it. He is very dedicate actor. We have a lot in common James Dean for example. Next question!
ScottFromCanada983 karma
Tommy, I can not see The Neighbors in Canada, I can naught!! When will it be available in Canada? Will it be on Blu-Ray soon? Keep the AMAZING work, man!! You are a true original!
RealTommyWiseau835 karma
Awww thank you very much! In Canada, I believe, maybe we will release in Canadian TV, so I am very happy people have this question. Yes, I am going to see Canada in a couple months! So...
suaveitguy931 karma
What do you make of the mystery around your origins? Are you surprised?
RealTommyWiseau2169 karma
Well, you know, we're all curious. We all live in America, and we are all curious bout people, who they are, where they come from. I'm very private person, I keep that way, that's my choice. I am America, I keep that way. Thank you for asking that.
velvet_doublet810 karma
Hi Tommy! I'm a big fan of The Room.
In Greg Sestero's book, he mentioned that in early drafts of The Room you wanted to include a scene with a flying car, but it was cut because it was too difficult to film. Can you tell us about some of the ideas you had for The Room that, for whatever reason, didn't make it into the final version of the film?
Thank you!
RealTommyWiseau924 karma
That was the whole fantasy. The flying car did not exist, it was a joke. First of all THE ROOM was a drama slash comedy. That's what we had there. So flying cars is incorrect statement. Yeah, we had a shot behind the scenes you can see it. You see the blu-ray and DVD, some of the shot we did not put it in. Like basketball, Chris R playing basketball in the corner instead of in the alley. You can see very clearly what we did not use.
RealTommyWiseau1794 karma
Okay! That's good question!
Well first of all - if you look at background, you work hard, you make money. It's no secret, okay? You work VERY hard, you make money.
Well I work very hard, 24/7, several days a week, okay?
And the specific how I make monies will be in book. THE DISASTER ARTIST by Tommy Wiseau, when I write it soon. Yes.
GeniusAmongFools781 karma
Hi Mr. Wiseau, thank you for being here today! My question is, are you planning to make any form of prequel/add-on to The Room?
nelfichu743 karma
Tommy, are you going to cameo in The Disaster Artist movie? Perhaps as the flower shopkeeper, so you can tell yourself that you're your favorite customer?
RealTommyWiseau828 karma
First of all, it's a good question. And agaaaain, I'm part of production, but I can't talk about it. So that's all I can say right now.
hotslaw670 karma
Dear Tommy, First and foremost let me thank you for bringing me such joy. I have seen the Room easily over 500 times. Seeing it so many times I have a theory about your movie. While your movie addresses seemingly random major issues I have tied them together in a theory. When I watch your film I imagine Johnnys job at the "bank" to have ties to the Mafia. Mark too as he said he was very busy while waiting in the car wearing sunglasses probably waiting on a hit. His character is clearly a hitman. The scene on the rooftop with Chris R being suddenly "taken to the police" happened too quickly.
I theorize that Johnny and Mark disposed of him.
As for the conversations between Lisa and her mother I believe that she lives in a close apartment that johnny helps pay for because she has dementia. Several years prior she had breast cancer and has since been cured hence Lisa's calm and untroubled reassurance when she brings it up. While Lisa and Claudette are close the stress of caring for her ailing mother and the line of work cause her to feel lonely having Michelle as her only close friend to confide in as her boyfriend Mike is also in involved in the mob. She is also worried about Denny who is like a son to her becoming involved in the same shady line of work because of his love and admiration for Johnny. Peter the is too who as a psychologist runs drugs. Chris R was cutting in on their turf .
Lisa sees Mark as her only escape from her lonely reality but is filled with mixed emotions about her codependant relationship with Johnny. While Lisa and Johnny love each other Johnny does in fact become abusive off screen. The reason he doesn't usually drink is because he also takes anxiety medication due to his high stress job and blacks out when he drinks. I theorize he did in fact hit her perhaps that's the reason it is not shown on screen as the movie is centered around Johnny and his perception. This is supported also at the end of the movie when Lisa lies and says shes pregnant. As Johnny is celebrating and drinking champagne she is afraid of him hitting her and lies in hopes of avoiding a beating. Johnny does in fact get in a violent altercation with his best friend mark twice that night.
In the end Johnny is a victim of the high stress involved in being a loving caring friend pursuing love the American dream. That's about it. What do you think of my theory Tommy? Am I the only one who truly recognizes your genius?
Edit
TLDR: Conspiracy theory The Room is actually a complex coherent movie with extensive subtext.
-Johnny and Mark have mob ties
-Lisas mom has dementia
-Tommy Wiseau IS AN EXPERT!!!!!
Edit: Whoa thanks for the gold kind stranger. If a lot of people loved each other, the world would be a better place.
RealTommyWiseau821 karma
We see this.
This theory is completely untrue.
But it's good writing. I give you credit for that. Move on next question.
mega-shark659 karma
Have you ever heard the speculation that you're DB Cooper? If so, where did you hide the 727?
RealTommyWiseau815 karma
Uh... neowww, but what people speculate is incorrect referencing. Not familiar with that. Looking right now, they are wrong, let's put it that way.
er1c1996657 karma
What's your favorite line from any of your works? Mine has to be the "You're tearing me apart, Lisa!"
RealTommyWiseau992 karma
Well, we on the same page.
I love this quote.
And also, "WHAT A DAY!" I like that one. It's from Charlie, in THE NEIGHBORS.
And also, I see across America, people quoting me. "OH, WHAT A DAY!"
RealTommyWiseau988 karma
Victoria, I'm a very positive person. So give me negative questions, fine.
MsBluffy433 karma
Thanks for being willing to address some of the tough questions Tommy. We appreciate you and your willingness to talk to the fans! Much love!
sp00kyscary568 karma
I touched your arm briefly at a screening of The Room in NYC. Do I get your special powers now?
RealTommyWiseau886 karma
Hahahaha!
The answer is yes. I am very spiritual guy, so as you guys kneow, we give away anniversary tag - we have screening in San Francisco - and yes you will have special power. Now we are connected.
RealTommyWiseau667 karma
And also I want to say THE ROOM connects the way THE NEIGHBORS connects.
I want you guys to have fun with it! To enjoy it! Exaaaactly. And we have great support from Hulu.
SungTongs349 karma
I arm wrestled him at the screening in SF. No special powers here, except for chuckling to myself every time I remember that moment... huhuhuhu
RealTommyWiseau637 karma
Oh yeah, that's true yes! It's correct. Yes. And I won one time and you won once too.
RealTommyWiseau1038 karma
I speak two languages. I have no idea, to be honest with you.
It is what it is.
RealTommyWiseau1103 karma
I was born on Planet Earth.
Moveonnextquestion.
And I'm American, and proud of it.
RealTommyWiseau1008 karma
Well, we talk, but actually, probably, we just released a script, original script, available, THE ROOM, original one, because there was a lot of controversy, agin, I'm sorry for some of you guys in America we call "douchebags" - I've been filming the past 20 years, shame on you who are bashing THE ROOM as well as the actors in THE NEIGHBORS. It is new entertainment, and people reallyreally enjoy it. That's all I'm gonna say, moveonnextquestion.
MarkMc1977514 karma
Hi Tommy! I bought and received my copy of "The Room" script the other day and "Tommy Wiseau" boxer shorts. There was one of your long, black hairs on the front of the script. Does everyone that buy a copy get a free hair or was I just one of the lucky ones to own a piece of you? Thanks for being a legend! Mark M in the UK...
RealTommyWiseau953 karma
Oh, that's a big secret.
Heheheheheh!
You will find out in prequel.
idrinkyour-milkshake484 karma
Oh hi Mr. Wiseau, big fan here.
Are you in any way going to be involved in James Franco's film adaptation of The Disaster Artist?
RealTommyWiseau987 karma
The answer is yes.
I am involved, 100%.
I am part of it. Whatever, that.
the-thiiird476 karma
The Neighbors feels like a pornographic film at times. Were you inspired by the genre or is this just a coincidence?
RealTommyWiseau694 karma
Yeah, first of all, you can ask whatever you like. That's what this show is about. To respond to your question, NO. THE NEIGHBORS relates to our culture, it change. When we casting actors, I don't ask them about their private life. They are good people, they do the job we ask them to, and as you know, people like THE NEIGHBORS.
Heyy_Brother458 karma
Hey Tommy, whose doggie was that in the flower shop scene?
Also, would you ever consider pairing up with the good people over at the iRobot Corporation to make the first ever "Tommy Wiseau's 'The Roomba'"?
RealTommyWiseau575 karma
Neoow! Actually no! I said this a few minutes ago, I don't know if you write this or not, but it was the owner's dog. It made a hundred bucks. It was a very unique dog. It was funny, again, this is funny experience that we have - to use the flower shop lady, she was very kind- and for some of you, eating breakfast cereal, they think we go to flower shop - these people were under contract. We are very professional people, let's put it that way.
Why not? Maybe we should do it, yes.
RealTommyWiseau660 karma
Oh yea, ABSOLUTELY yeah! That was a real dog! My goodness, is real dog! It was a little sleepy!
MountCydonia397 karma
Tommy, your work has been life-changing for me. A lot of people just like to watch The Room for a laugh, but entering the crazy, weird and hilarious community that surrounds The Room is helping me fight severe depression. Every time I watch your film with friends, I can forget about the world and be transported to a magical realm of red roses, spoons and American footballs, so I thank you so, so much for that.
My question is: If you could give all of politicians of the world just one piece of advice, what would it be?
RealTommyWiseau585 karma
Eeef a lot of people loved each other, the world would be a better place to live.
The advice I would give? Be nice to each other basically.
MsBluffy353 karma
Hi Tommy! Thanks so much for doing this AMA. My question is, if you could go back in time and re-do "The Room", start to finish, is there anything that you would do differently? (PS thanks for the underwear that come with The Room scripts!)
RealTommyWiseau628 karma
Yeah, well, thank you for the script, yes. We sell the script with undewerear. I design the underwear. Not just the leather jacket, but to respond to your question, definitely - definitely the aspect of what we are doing is entertainment. That's what we do. That's all I want to say.
swissch33z300 karma
Oh hi, Tommy.
About five years ago, you showed up for a screening of The Room in Phoenix. You'd mentioned something about having dinosaurs in your house? What did you mean by that?
Also, why was there a doggy in the flower shop?
ALSOALSO, do you have any intentions of returning to Phoenix?
Thank you!
RealTommyWiseau591 karma
They were all dinosaurs, you know? I mean, it's always something weird. I have little dinosaurs in my house, yes.
Plastic ones.
I love dogs. And by the way, that was a real dog, from the owner of the flower shop! And I want to clarify this, the dog made $100. The dog was under contract.
I love animals.
Yeah! We actually have new screening coming. Actually in Philadelphia, Phoenix, we will be back in Phoenix soon, probably this year.
RealTommyWiseau494 karma
Yeah, I am working on new project, it's called THE FORECLOSURE, we will be casting soon, we have already soon, and we have a vampire movie. And THE NEIGHBORS, we have 12 episodes of THE NEIGHBORS.
RealTommyWiseau472 karma
Send in the headshot, and then we... consider it. So send out the headshot first, and then see what happens.
sirdaveyboy248 karma
Oh hai, Tommy.
What started your obsession with ordering warm glasses of water at restaurants? Is it still a recurring order you place when dining out today?
What was your writing process like as far as The Neighbors and The Room went? Did you have a direction in mind, or did you write during/between filming?
RealTommyWiseau380 karma
Yes absolutely. And it's also misleading, because several articles, they say I don't drink it, I do drink hot water. It's very refreshing.
I do order, yes! Absolutely!
Well, THE NEIGHBORS we actually developed a different situation. THE ROOM is based on 800 page novel I never published. I condensed everything from play to script, again, this is the thing I am very proud of, I am very proud of THE ROOM, I'm very proud that people enjoy it. Yeah, absolutely, THE NEIGHBORS, I wrote it 7 years ago, you can still see proof on YouTube, some of the clips, courtesy of Wiseau films, I "let it go" as you say, and Ceecee, I think THE NEIGHBORS relate to American culture. It's too bad that some people don't understand entertainment... I hear the stories that some people are very negative, but I'm very proud of it.
Ochobobo354 karma
Tommy please publish your The Room novel! I can pay top dollar because we just got a new client at the bank, we make a lot of money
kingofspoonerisms237 karma
Tommy,
Thanks a lot for doing this! I have a few questions for youuuu! Jusssst a lil something..
1) In The Room, why was Johnny’s first date with Lisa an interesting story?
2) When Johnny buys Lisa a dozen red roses from the flower store, why does he hold them upside down?
3) Why did you, as the director, re-use shots from both of Johnny’s sex scenes with Lisa?
4) WHY IS MARK SO BUSY?!?!?!
You are my favorite customer, anyways how’s your sex life?
RealTommyWiseau382 karma
1.) Well, okay, let's... okay. It just WAS because she paid for DINNER, that's the interesting story. Next question.
2.) Oh, because that's a typical situation.
RealTommyWiseau343 karma
3.) First of all... we have variation in ROOM 1-4, it's not the same shot, at all.
4.) Why is Mark so busy? Why so busy!??! Because of business, like everybody else, hehehe!
run-by-fruiting235 karma
Hi Tommy, my husband and I are huge fans! Thank you for doing this AMA. Can you share one of your favourite memories from your time working on The Room? Also, what is your favourite food?
Edit: Big thank you to whoever it was who gave me the gold!
RealTommyWiseau350 karma
Memory? I enjoyed any minute in THE ROOM, and you can see behind the scenes of THE ROOM on DVD as well as blu-ray. Again, some of the statements people made about THE ROOM - I always enjoyed my work.
I like all kinds food, I like everything, you know?
I like Chinese food, too!
Favorite, like Italian food.
the_neighbors_rocks216 karma
Are you going to write an autobiography? (The neighbors is awesome)
RealTommyWiseau502 karma
Yes, I am, because as you probably kneow, DISASTER ARTIST is not 100% correct, and some people - again - are very disrespectful of my lief. How dare you to bash me, to say negative things about me and my life when you don't even know me? Shame on you.
So yes, absolutely, you know. We in America, you know, we have very dedicate people, from New Orleans, and some of the function that people have are completely disrespectful. Shame on you if you blast my project. We are very dedicated to our art - shame on you, I would say, again! You know who you are!
And also you can add, about script, how dare you say that was not the script on the production of THE ROOM. How are you have powers to criticize someone you don't even know? When you say it's not a camera, or we have only this one camera, or this one or that one? Shame on you.
Move on, next question.
ericabetter198 karma
Tommy! I am a HUGE fan – I’ve seen The Room upwards of 30 times and I’ve seen you each time you’ve come to DC since 2010.
I was lucky enough to see a screening of The Neighbors the last time you were in DC. Which character was more difficult to play – Charlie or Ricky Rick? Will we see more of the chicken?
Love you – keep up the GREAT work.
PS – Love my Tommy Wiseau brand underwear. Especially the secret pocket ;)
RealTommyWiseau201 karma
I see your questions, on the big screen! I LOVE your question! I love character Ricky Rick! We actually have a jacket, dedicate to Ricky Rick, so if you like it, you can go to TommyWiseau.com or http://theneighborssitcom.com, and you can buy it!
Dickdickdicks49161 karma
Hey, Tommy. Is the character Denny from The Room based on anyone from real life? And what about Claudette?
RealTommyWiseau359 karma
Oh yeah, we have many Claudettes in the country, with cancer - again, one of the things I like it when people ask why we don't talk about it, yeah, is because someday we have a cure for it.
Because it's a very private thing, you know? Many Claudettes in America relate to cancer.
RealTommyWiseau349 karma
Many Dennys, many Johnnys, many Marks, because everything is coming from life, real life.
THE ROOM is a red flag for society, for people to do better, to be better to each other basically. I've been doing this for 12 years, saying that.
ThelwellJamie158 karma
So when fans meet you during screenings of The Room, are there any quotes you are being asked to say by fans?
RealTommyWiseau302 karma
Neaaaaaaooo.
I say, you can laugh, you can cry, you can express yourself, but please don't hurt each other. It's up to them what they want me to say, you know? I enjoy, move on next question.
ScottFromCanada104 karma
Hey Tommy, what advice do you have for a writer who is just starting and would like to get into the movie business?
RealTommyWiseau200 karma
That's good question.
I would say, think about 20% FIRST before you get to 100%. If you think about 20%, you will get to 100%. With original material, if people say negatives about you, let it go, move onto something else.
mega-shark99 karma
I know you're the favorite customer at the Flowers and Gifts shop, but are they your favorite destination for flowers and/or gifts?
sevvii90 karma
Hi Tommy, I'm a huge fan. My question is how much did the red dress actually cost?
RealTommyWiseau177 karma
That's a good one, hahahaha!
A lot of money, hahahaha!
Move on, next question!
turtlesweater85 karma
Hi there!
I was fortunate enough to see the screening of The Room at The Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak where you were in attendance. You had two belts on-one at your waist and another one slightly above your knees. I'm curious-what is the purpose of that second belt?
RealTommyWiseau211 karma
You know... the idea is... I like to wear it, and everyone should try it.
It's for guys only, okay?
RealTommyWiseau165 karma
Well, I find myself - I like - James Dean, Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor and Clint Eastwoods.
I think Clint Eastwood's a hero of mine.
The same way people can learn from me.
RealTommyWiseau167 karma
ABSOLUTELY. Thank you for asking that, first of all, i want to say I designed the underwear NUMBER ONE.
If you go to double-u-double-u-Tommy-Wiseau-dot-com - or if you go buy THE ROOM movie direct. That is best way to buy. We have all sizes, I am very proud, you will like it, probably.
A lot of people like underwear.
And also you can go to http://theroommovie.com
I designed it with a secret packet. We are only one underwear company that specializes in secret packets, so...
rmbiss9274 karma
Tommy, do you think one day we will be watching The Room and Neighbors on Mars?
RealTommyWiseau128 karma
YES!!
Yes! I have some ideas, you know? We want to put the DVD on Mars!
RealTommyWiseau72 karma
No. I'm just a human being like everybody else. But I belieeeve in certain, let's say... destiny. And vampires to a certain degree.
So no, I am not a vampire. But I relate to it. Something like that.
ElderCunningham7 karma
Would you rather fight 100 duck sized horses, or one horse sized duck?
Dorian1822835 karma
So Tommy, how is your sex life?
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