This Is Spinal Tap

This Is Spinal Tap
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Name	This Is Spinal Tap
Director	Rob Reiner
Producer	Rob Reiner
Writer	Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner
Starring	Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, June Chadwick, Tony Hendra
Music	Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer
Cinematography	Peter Smokler
Editing	Kent Beyda, Kim Secrist
Studio	Embassy Pictures
Released	March 2, 1984

This Is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary film that follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap, composed of David St. Hubbins (played by Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (played by Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (played by Harry Shearer), as they embark on a disastrous United States tour, with Rob Reiner playing the role of Marty DiBergi, the filmmaker documenting their journey, which includes performances at Madison Square Garden and The Greek Theatre. The film features a range of cameos, including Billy Crystal, Anjelica Huston, Paul Shaffer, and Bruno Kirby, and has been praised for its witty dialogue and satire of the rock music industry, drawing comparisons to bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. With its unique blend of comedy and music, the film has become a cult classic, influencing filmmakers like Sacha Baron Cohen and Christopher Guest, who have gone on to create their own mockumentary films, such as Borat and Best in Show.

Introduction

This Is Spinal Tap was the brainchild of Rob Reiner, who was inspired by his own experiences as a comedian and actor, including his work on All in the Family and The Jerk, and his love of rock music, which led him to collaborate with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer to create the fictional band Spinal Tap, drawing inspiration from real-life bands like The Who, The Kinks, and The Beatles. The film's script was largely improvised, with the cast members contributing to the development of their characters and the story, which was influenced by the documentary style of films like Woodstock and Gimme Shelter. The result was a unique blend of comedy and music that poked fun at the excesses of the rock music industry, with references to iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and The Fillmore. The film's cast, including June Chadwick and Tony Hendra, added to the film's humor and charm, with cameos from Fran Dreschler and Paul Benedict.

Production

The production of This Is Spinal Tap was a collaborative effort between Rob Reiner and his cast, including Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, who worked together to develop the film's script and characters, drawing inspiration from their own experiences in the entertainment industry, including their work on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. The film was shot on a relatively low budget, with a mix of documentary-style footage and staged performances, featuring iconic guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster. The cast members also contributed to the film's music, writing and performing many of the songs featured in the film, including "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight", Big Bottom, and "Stonehenge", which have become cult classics in their own right, with influences from Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who. The film's cinematography was handled by Peter Smokler, who worked to capture the energy and chaos of the band's performances, including their infamous Stonehenge set, which has been referenced in films like Wayne's World and Almost Famous.

Plot

The plot of This Is Spinal Tap follows the fictional band Spinal Tap as they embark on a disastrous United States tour, with Marty DiBergi (played by Rob Reiner) documenting their journey, which includes performances at Madison Square Garden and The Greek Theatre. The film features a range of humorous moments, from the band's excessive lifestyle to their bizarre stage performances, including their infamous Stonehenge set, which has been referenced in films like Wayne's World and Almost Famous. Along the way, the band members must navigate their personal differences and creative conflicts, including the tension between David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel, which threatens to derail the tour, with influences from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The film also features a range of cameos, including Billy Crystal, Anjelica Huston, and Paul Shaffer, who add to the film's humor and charm, with references to iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and The Fillmore.

Music

The music of This Is Spinal Tap is a key part of the film's humor and charm, with the cast members writing and performing many of the songs featured in the film, including Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight, Big Bottom, and Stonehenge, which have become cult classics in their own right, with influences from Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who. The film's soundtrack features a range of parodies of rock music styles, from heavy metal to punk rock, with references to iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. The cast members' performances are also noteworthy, with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer showcasing their musical talents, including their work on The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live. The film's music has been praised for its wit and cleverness, with many of the songs becoming catchy and memorable in their own right, with influences from The Beatles and The Kinks.

Reception

This Is Spinal Tap was initially met with mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film's humor and originality, while others found it confusing or alienating, including Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. However, over time, the film has developed a cult following and is now widely regarded as a classic of American comedy, with influences from Monty Python and The Marx Brothers. The film has been praised for its witty dialogue, clever parodies, and memorable performances, including those of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, who have gone on to create their own mockumentary films, such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. The film has also been recognized for its influence on the mockumentary genre, with films like Borat and The Blair Witch Project drawing inspiration from its unique blend of comedy and documentary style, with references to iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and The Fillmore.

Legacy

The legacy of This Is Spinal Tap is a lasting one, with the film continuing to influence comedy and music to this day, including the work of Sacha Baron Cohen and Christopher Guest, who have created their own mockumentary films, such as Borat and Best in Show. The film's catchphrases, such as "These go to eleven", have become part of the pop culture lexicon, with references to iconic guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster. The film has also spawned a range of merchandise, from T-shirts to posters, featuring the band's logo and characters, including David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls. In 2002, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its significance as a cult classic and its influence on the mockumentary genre, with influences from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The film continues to be celebrated by fans of comedy and music alike, with its unique blend of humor and satire remaining as relevant today as it was upon its initial release, with references to iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and The Fillmore.

Category:American films Category:Mockumentary films Category:Rock music films