The Tyneside Cinema will depart from its usual focus on showcasing critically acclaimed films with a special screening of a title widely regarded as one of the world’s worst.
The Room – a romantic drama centred on a love triangle involving San Francisco banker Johnny – has attracted critical attention since its release in 2003.
Described in some reviews as “the worst film ever made” and “the Citizen Kane of bad movies”, The Room has built a reputation for being so poorly executed that it has achieved cult status. Annual screenings of the film have since become a fixture at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.
This year, two special screenings will take place, featuring Greg Sestero, one of the film’s stars, who will join audiences to revisit the drama.
Sestero, who plays Johnny’s best friend Mark, will provide live commentary and share stories about the making of the film, which has become known as a landmark in cult cinema.
Nic Greenan, chief executive and custodian of the Tyneside Cinema, said: “It has always been our policy at the Tyneside to provide the very best in global cinema for audiences in the North East – but for one weekend only we are departing from our remit.
“These special screenings of a movie that has rightfully become a cult classic will be a must-attend for all lovers of ‘so bad it’s good’ film-making, with Greg Sestero on hand to explain how a movie that hit new depths in cinema was made and what it is like to have starred in such an infamous picture.
“The Tyneside is all about creating unique experiences – and this certainly falls under that category.”
The Room with Greg Sestero will be shown on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17.
