This article by Sam Tucker originally appeared in the Independent Picture House’s bi-monthly newsletter exclusively for members! Be the first to see in-depth reflections on film and know about upcoming events by becoming a member today.
Most people assume my film snob tendencies stem from my digital cinema minor, but the real culprit is Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. While the Windy City has no shortage of indie screens, the Music Box stands apart — majestic, eclectic and host to events that feel like secret handshakes for cinephiles. The Found Footage Festival (which IPH hosted in June) was an easy highlight, but nothing tops the night I saw Tommy Wiseau — the enigmatic alien-human hybrid who wrote, directed, starred in and (somehow) funded The Room — appear in person to discuss his … um … “magnum opus.”
Luckily, IPH has let me relive the magic both in the past and this year. On July 25, IPH is screening The Room again, and I’ll be there, plastic spoons in hand. For the uninitiated: Imagine Rocky Horror for millennials, but with more footballs, inexplicable melodrama and a crowd that treats the film like a participatory sport. The plot? A baffling love triangle (sort of). The vibe? Pure chaos — audience members shout lines, heckle characters’ life choices and hurl cutlery at the screen. (Want the full lore? Watch The Disaster Artist afterward — it’s the closest thing to an explanation we’ll get.)
Sam Tucker and Greg Sestero
Last time at IPH, I met Greg Sestero (Mark from The Room and Wiseau’s long-suffering friend/collaborator). This year, for the film’s 20th anniversary, he’ll give live commentary — worth the ticket alone. And for true gluttons for camp, there’s a double feature the next day: The Room followed by Wiseau’s latest masterpiece, Big Shark. Judging by the trailer, it’s gloriously unhinged, cementing Tommy’s legacy as the auteur of “accidental” camp.
I could write essays about The Room’s cult following, but here’s the truth: You have to see it to believe it. Whether it’s a date night, a friends’ outing or a solo adventure (the fans are extremely welcoming), it’s an experience you won’t forget — no matter how hard you try.
So, as always, head over to the IPH, turn off your phone and enjoy a nice beverage while experiencing the cult movie of our generation.