20 Best Movie Performances Of 2017

5. James Franco – The Disaster Artist

Many of us laughed when James Franco first cast himself as The Room's writer, director, producer and star Tommy Wiseau, because how could an actor of Franco's visibility possibly hope to disappear into a distinctive "character" like Wiseau?

Well, Franco sure proved everyone wrong with a frighteningly chameleonic performance that doesn't settle for being a mere impression of the man (though it's pretty fantastic as that too), but dares to delve deeper into the humanity behind the mysterious figure.

The glimpse of Wiseau we get here is of a lonely, eccentric human being with a deep desire to create, and a need for friendship. Franco doesn't shy away from depicting him as an a**hole, but there's also something to be said for the universality of Wiseau's need to be heard and to connect with people.

Furthermore, the prospect of Franco receiving an Oscar nomination for portraying Tommy freaking Wiseau is just too delicious for words. Make it happen, Academy.