LIIIISA TEARS APART REDDIT.
Juliette Danielle hosted a IAmA (Q&A basically) yesterday on reddit, go to the source if you want to read the whole thing, I just posted questions she personally responded to.
Q: Tell us a Wiseau story!
A: Of course...
I was trying to do some character work on Lisa. I asked Tommy why Lisa would be so concerned that Denny is on drugs. "Why would she even care about something like that, I asked?" He replied "that is the twist."
Q: Nowadays Tommy Wiseau markets The Room as a "dark comedy". Did he recognize the humor in the movie when he was originally making it, or did he think he was making a completely serious drama?
Thank you so much for doing this. I have seen The Room literally over ten times, and I've even made close friends through Room-watching parties!!!
A: I have no idea what his intentions were. He was very specific that he wanted things the way they were and not changed much. All the actors were playing it very straight. He just might be a diabolical genius puppeteer-type person.
Glad you are able to enjoy the room with friends! ;)
Q: Oh hi Juliette! Have you ever watched the movie with the Rifftrax commentary?
A: I'm scared. I heard "bloated brittney spears" and decided it wasn't for me. ;)
Q: do you take pride from being in a film dubbed as 'one of the worst of all time'? Perhaps due to it's cult status
A: There are worse films out there. I take pride that is is one of the BEST worst movies of all time...lol.
Q: Was Denny supposed to be mentally challenged?
A: I did not get that impression. Wiseau has said on at least one occasion that Denny was a little bit retarded...but I don't think that was the case. He also said on one occasion that so was the guy playing him (Philip Haldiman). That obviously isn't true. Phil is a very smart guy. ;)
Q: It's Christian from Facebook. Glad to see you got it set up. To ask a question, did Tommy Wiseau ever say where he got the 9 million dollars from, and what the hell it was for?
A: I never found out where he got the money. I think he spent a lot on his dual cameras, PLUS that billboard was up for years. He also advertised in a lot of the trade publications.
Q: What did the audition entail? I talked to another redditor who auditioned for him for something else and said it was pretty crazy. Did you have to seduce anyone like Sestosterone? Also, how uncomfortable were the sex scenes?
A: That's a lot of questions! The auditions were crazy. Tons of people all over the place. There was a LOT of improv. Tommy was everywhere, grabbing people and moving them around and "directing." That went on for quite some time. It was unlike any other audition I've ever been on.
And of course they were uncomfortable...but those were scenes pretty standard compared to how they are usually done on a set. The only difference is that Tommy used ALL the footage...rather than whittling it down to a short sequence like most do.
(someone mentions that Tommy even reuses some footage, referring to the recycled footage used for Lisa and Johnny's sex scenes)
YES HE DID!!! I was so mortified...literally every last bit of footage was used I think!
Q: A lot of improv but a lot of direction? Did you guys use a script for the auditions or did he just make up stuff for you guys to do? I work in TV and everything I've heard about the production of the film sounds off the wall to my co-workers and I.
A: It was not normal in any way. I think we did have some Room-type improv situations that were given to us at the time. I don't think we had script at that point.
Q: Does Tommy Wiseau have a drug problem?
A: I don't think so. As far as I know, he's against drinking alcohol (like Johnny). He does drink a LOT of Red Bull though.
Q: First of all, Juliette, brilliant performance. Secondly, why are Tommy's Hands so fucking soft? I shook his hand at a screening in seattle and they felt like tiny, fleshy, pillows. How does he do it? Lotion, balm, or is it simply a side-effect of his host body rejecting Tommy's presence inside it?
A: I never noticed that!!! I think he takes REALLY good care of himself.
Q: When you were filming The Room, were you aware of how odd and unusual the film was, in terms of all of the actors quitting and the horrible quality of the screenplay. And if so, when was it hardest for you to keep your cool on set(by that I mean, like not cracking up, but it would be understandable if you felt some anger during the filming of the sex scenes)? Anyways, I am a huge fan!
A: I don't think I've ever shared this before...but i'm in a good mood. ;)
I kept my cool by smoking a LOT. Tommy hated smoking. I justified it to myself that Lisa would probably do something like that.
PSA: Smoking is gross. I'm sorry I ever started because I was addicted for many years. But, I don't smoke anymore!
Q: Is Tommy Wiseau as egotistical, strange and dim as he seems?
A: Strange? Yes. He's quite an enigma. But he's anything but dim, actually. He is very focused and determined. His personality? What you see is what you get. He likes to be cagey though...part of his appeal I think.
Q: When was the last time you watched The Room from beginning to end?
A: A LONG time ago. I probably won't ever do it again. I'm sure you can understand why.
I would like everyone to know that my mom LOVES this movie. Weird? Yes. But true.
Q: Oh hi Lisa! So, how is your sex life?
A: That's confidential!
Q: I'm so psyched you're doing an AMA! I'm your fan on Facebook, and I love how you have a great sense of humor about this incredible movie. You seem like an all-around great person. Do the constant famous Room quotes/jokes ever get on your nerves?
A: I get asked this a lot. :) The only time it annoys me is when my friends & family do it to annoy me on purpose (and they do.) I love when my fans share their enthusiasm in the form of quotes for The Room...and I would never want to take away from that enjoyment.
My favorite thing about Facebook is that a lot of our fans are so creative! I would NEVER think up the creative posts I see on my page sometimes...and they are so quick! The recent St. Patrick's Day themed post was hilarious!
Q: Did any of the actors realize how ridiculous the movie was going to be while filming?
A: OMG yes! I'm pretty sure we all did. We did try very hard to take it as seriously as possible though.
Q: Have you ever played The Room Tribute? http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/54
A: I have played it. I have a short attention span though, so I'll never get a chance to finish. <3
Q: How did you get into acting?
A: I had a great memory as a little girl, so I was given the big parts in the school plays. After that, I ended up in Los Angeles and figured "why not"?
Q: Hey there! I've been following you on facebook for a while now, and you seem like such a good sport, and very willing to laugh at yourself for your presence in that, uh...interesting movie. Do you ever feel bummed out/depressed that you're forever "Lisa from The Room" or is it just something you can't help but laugh about?
A: I'm glad you asked me that! I used to be totally bummed about it. But it's been so many years...and people get so much enjoyment out of it. How could I not look back and laugh? Ah, the things we do in our youth!!! ;)
Q: As a woman what was your reaction to the Character Lisa?
A:
Q: What really happened to Peter the "Sahcohlojist"?
A: ooh ooh, i KNOW this one!!! Kyle Vogt had another acting job! The filming schedule went over what it was supposed to.
Q: I read somewhere that filming the love scenes with Tommy made you very uncomfortable because of his hygiene and because they were the first scenes filmed. Does he smell like a caveman or just look like one?
A: One of the other actors started that rumor.
Q: I just wanted to say that I've met Tommy and I'm sorry that you had to be so nude with him for what must have seemed like years. I hope he at least wore a cock sock. Also, please be in the stage show at least once. It would make my life. At least like a ten year reunion show or something. On broadway!
A: It wasn't a sock...but it was a covering thing.
FUNNY STORY...you know the part where he gets up and walks to the bathroom in the buff? The covering came off during one of the takes and you should have SEEN the looks on the faces of the crew. PRICELESS>
Q: Sending love from New Zealand! I heard you have a cameo part in the upcoming Ghost Shark movie, have you been working on anything else recently? :]
A: Sending love back! I freakin LOVE New Zealand and it's on my list to visit! I do have a cameo...shot by a group of awesome guys who love what they do.
I am working on a short film right now, yes, directed by Brendan Russo. My bit starts shooting this weekend actually. More to come on my FB page later!
Q: What do you do for a day job?
A: I am a marketing manager for a real estate development company! I've had the job for over 10 years!
Q: When you saw the rose petal on your back for the first time during one of the "love" scenes, did it freak you out? (It looks like a scab at first) It still gets me every time.
A: YES! I was mortified.
Q: How do you mentally or emotionally deal with the idea that people make (sometimes very rude) jokes about you in the theater on a regular basis? Not a softball question....sorry, but it is something I wonder about whenever I see the movie in the theater.
A: That's ok...I'm glad you asked! The idea of it doesn't bother me anymore. People are enjoying themselves and of course "expressing themselves" as Tommy encourages people to do.
Now...sitting in the theater while they do that? NEVER going to happen again. LOL. I have my limits!
Q: This might be the most excited I've been for an AMA. You're the best and based on what I've read so far a terrific sport (: If you care to disclose the information, about how much did you actually get paid for making this movie? (I saw that you didn't get royalties but where did that leave you?) What scenes from the movie were your favorite to shoot? (I can guess which ones might have been your least favorite...) And one more, was there ever a time you regretted making the movie?
A: It was basically enough so that I didn't have to work those few months.
I liked doing scenes with Greg. Don't read into that. I just mean regular scenes. ;)
I did regret making it only because of the nudity thing. It doesn't really bother me that it's labeled a "bad" movie.
Q: Why does Wiseau say that he was born in New Orleans, when other articles/logic clearly dictates that he's likely from Poland? Also, I know you are actively getting back into acting -- has there ever been talks with doing any other projects with him in the future?
A: I have no idea where he's from. Greg is coming out with a book very soon. I think that question will be answered.
I would work with him again. Why not? I did actually have a great time...and this time I know what I'm dealing with!
I would not do nudity like that again. That was just stupid on my part.
Q: Hi Juliette! Here's a hypothetical question. Would you be willing to revive the role of Lisa if Tommy started filming a sequel (or prequel)? Or do you think it would difficult to recapture the magic of The Room?
A: I would to it...but I don't think it could ever be the same.
Q: How many framed pictures of spoons do you have sitting around your house at this very moment?
A: I don't have framed spoons...but I often PAINT portraits of spoons and put them on Etsy.
Q: Is there really a 600 page novel of "The Room"? How many cast members quit during filming? Did it really take six months to film? Was there a premiere for the film? If so, what was it like?
A: Greg will be able to answer the first three in his book. I can't remember.
There was a premiere...red carpet...we all dressed up. It was fun. The actual movie though...it was hard to watch. People took it seriously back in those days!
Q: Was the sex scene as uncomfortable to film as it was for us to watch?
A: I think a sex scene is uncomfortable in any situation. I can PROMISE it is more awkward for ME to watch!!!
Q: Framed utensil pictures. Why? Also, did you have any creative control over Lisa, or was it all Tommy? Thanks! Heuh Heuh I Lahv you Leesa!
A: All Tommy. I just tried to channel my inner bitch best I could. It was most difficult because I felt like she was very contrived...and not motivated by anything that made sense.
Q: When you read the script, what did you honestly think? Did you think that this was something that you would be proud of? Also, are you still in touch with Tommy?
A: I never thought people would see it.
I have seen Tommy about two years ago? I saw Greg awhile ago, and also Kyle Vogt. GREAT guys!
Q: Why is The Room the most awesome movie ever made?
A: Primarily because of Tommy. That was his baby...and still is. MY favorite reason is because of the fans. :)
Q: When I watched the movie I got the (strong) impression that the viewer is meant to sympathize with Johnny, but each new time I see it (kill me) I find Lisa's side of things more and more sympathetic: she's trapped in a relationship with a complete lunatic with whom things aren't really working, but everyone is pushing her to stay in.
My question is, did you view Lisa as the villain or as someone with equally valid motivations as Johnny?
Thanks so much for doing this! Longtime fan. (There's even a clip on youtube of Tommy calling me an idiot for asking, according to him, the dumbest question ever ("Who are your influences as a filmmaker?"
A: Did he really say that?
I think Lisa is a villain. She would have gotten out if that's what she REALLY wanted. She liked to play with all of them.
Q: I'm not sure if you're still answering questions but I thought I'd throw one out that I've always wondered. I know you said everyone was playing it straight, but it really seemed like Mike Holmes was purposefully being goofy. Everyone else I could see as genuinely doing the best they could with a strange script, but Mike always seemed to be in on the joke, so to speak. This is especially apparent in the scene where he describes the "me underwears" story, I'm sure everyone knows the one. Any idea if this is true or not?
A: Tommy encouraged him to BE BIG with it. Tommy meant him to be funny for sure.
Q: Do you think Tommy really understands and accepts that his life's masterpiece is actually an extraordinarily shitty movie?
A: No, I don't think he accepts that.
Q: This movie makes me feel all happy inside. Thanks for helping make it so much fun.
A: That makes me really happy, too! It makes it bearable that so many people bond and laugh over this movie.
Q: Were there a lot of scenes that did not make it into the final cut of the movie? One scene that comes to mind is when Johnny is playing back the spy tape and the dialogue is completely different then the scene we were shown (You on the phone talking to mark) Was that scene originally recorded than cut?
A: Not a lot got cut from the film, IMO.
Q: You answer some of these questions in a round about social worker sort of way. I understand being polite and not wanting to hurt feelings but I have to ask.... are you afraid Tommy might see this and hunt you down? I know he would never hit you but...
A: Social worker, eh? I thought I was being PC. Here's the thing...I read somewhere once where Megan Fox said some really horrible things about Transformers and it really turned me off. That movie launched her career. It's too easy to be one of those actors that says a bunch of horrible stuff because people enjoy reading that kind of thing. Make sense? I could take Tommy. I am a hardcore bootcamper these days. LOL.
Q: I heard for the sex scene, Tommy just took off his clothes and jumped in bed while the rest of the cast looked on in horror. How true is that?
A: Not true. Closed set...like any other.
Q: Pumped to see you on Reddit, actually saw this on your Facebook page first. :) Did you get any kind of compensation for being in the room and did you read the script prior to accepting the job? If so, were you a little concerned over how Tommy was going to pull this off?
A: I'm pumped to be here...just a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out this format!
We did get compensated for shooting, but no royalties. I kick myself daily for that! We did not receive full scripts...ever. I just wanted to be in a movie!!! There was never a question that Tommy would finish the movie...but we (actors and crew) all thought it would never be seen by massive amounts of people.
Q: Hi Juliette! Huge fan of the film, and I'm glad you've embraced it to some extent. Did you/will you be contributing anything to Greg's book? It'd be cool to hear some input from the other cast members too, though it probably would just be Greg's experiences.
A: Greg knows EVERYTHING about The Room...he spent so much time behind the scenes. Plus, he has kept in contact with everyone who worked on the movie. I cannot WAIT to relive those days as I read it!
Q: My friends and I think the actor playing Peter did a great job in the movie. Did the cast get upset when he quit on the film? Does he regret it? Also, who is the character Steven supposed to be?
A: That's Kyle Vogt. He actually works quite a bit! I don't think he regrets it. He had another acting job he had committed to. He's very professional. If the filming went according to schedule, he would have stayed on and finished it.
Steven, no idea. He got Peter's lines.
Q: So this is the fan girl in me, but Do you ever sign things; Posters, photos, shirts, copies of the movie. For fans? And if so, how can I get one :D
A: I do! Every now and then I will bust out headshots and other things...check out and follow my FB page. Everything gets put there!
Q: I saw Greg Sestero at a midnight screening in Minneapolis last year. He seemed less than thrilled. What is his take on the movie?
A: He thinks the whole thing is hilarious. It's not that he isn't thrilled. He's just been around it for so long and he plays it cool. He's got a great sense of humor about it.
Q: Do you ever get recognized in public? If so, do people quote the movie to you? Do the quotes get annoying? I can imagine the obvious "YOU'RE TEARING ME APART" quote getting old after a decade or so.
A: I don't get recognized that often! I look a little bit different now. I did meet a fan on St. Patrick's Day...which was cool. Nobody ever quotes to me in public unless they are with a huge group. I don't mind getting quotes on my FB page.
Q: Do you know if your character was based off someone tommy knew in real life, or a completely original character?
On that note, did he point out people/actresses for you to emulate?
A: It really seems that way, doesn't it?
The direction I got...it should be like Eyes Wide Shut. To this day, I still don't' get that.
Q: I would like to point out for all those starting their questions with "Of Hi _", it should be spelled 'Hai'. It looks wrong yes, but inflection is important.
A: I totally agree with this!!!
Sidenote: I often say "oh hai" to my cats when they greet me at the door.
Long interview but worth the read imo, we hardly ever hear from her, just Tommy and Greg. She comes off very sweet and with a great sense of humor about the whole thing, I'm glad she recovered from filming those love scenes.
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glittergunshot 21st-Mar-2012 12:54 am (UTC)