Turn It Up to 11!
A comprehensive spoof of rock n roll lifestyles.
Rob Reiner tears apart Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Genesisand every popular hard rock and heavy metal band of the 1970’s and 1980’s with his hilarious and influential mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984). Reiner crafted one of the finest musical comedies ever gifted to humanity thanks to the supporting efforts of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer alongside Rob Reiner’s mad leadership.
Reiner’s direction was already on point with riveting, intimate direction, improvised dialogue, and a peerless sense of humor in his fascinatingly delightful directorial debut. It’s astonishing that Reiner had such a sharp sense of humor and directorial vision for his debut. This Is Spinal Tap mocks pretentious bands, sexist artists, gaudy outfits, and documentaries that would depict their subject bands as flawless saints and visionary artists without any issues. Peter Smokler’s cinematography is obviously pretty with natural lighting during the interviews and colorful stage lighting, but his wide shots of the band are all funny. I think his handheld or still documentary camerawork is timeless and works to aid every absurd joke herein This Is Spinal Tap.
Reiner’s apt writing makes biting satire and short work of foolish rock bands too big for their own good as his strikingly personal direction ensures This Is Spinal Tap to play on forever like Spinal Tap’s experimental “Jazz Odyssey.” Every line is hilarious whether written or improvised by Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, or any number of other oddball actors present within this unholy tome of rock legacy.
Furthermore, Rob Reiner himself is funny as the deadpan serious documentarian Marty Di Bergi, who probably fancies himself the Werner Herzog of documentaries without realizing that Werner Herzog is the Werner Herzog of documentaries. I must mention that Christopher Guest is phenomenal as Nigel Tufnel, the idiotic lead guitarist of Spinal Tap. His electric playing, unforgettable stupid one liners, and subtle eyes portray loneliness, longing, or disgust more than Nigel’s words surely ever could.
Michael McKean is fantastic as Spinal Tap’s frontman David St. Hubbins. His vain foolishness is very funny, especially with how endearing he plays the moron fronting Tap. His playing is so interesting and tight too. McKean has excellently sweet chemistry with the lovely blonde June Chadwick as David St. Hubbins’ loving girlfriend Jeanine Pettibone with ambitions to management. She’s gorgeous as she contemptibly glares as Nigel or adoringly gazes at David St. Hubbins. Harry Shearer is funny as the lackadaisical bassist Derek Smalls. Tony Hendra is great as the uptight manager Ian Faith making excuses for every mistake along the way.
Bruno Kirby cameos as a Frank Sinatra loving limo driver, complaining about the band and who disgruntledly states Spinal Tap is just a fad. Fran Drescher cameos as the adorable publicist Bobbi Flekman concerned about Spinal Tap’s sexist cover and lyrics with her instantly recognizable nasal New Yorker accent. Dana Carvey and Billy Crystal cameo as funny mime waiters. Paul Shaffer cameos as an incompetent promoter called Artie Fufkin. Anjelica Huston cameos as the misinformed Stonehedge artist Polly Deutsch. Lastly, Fred Willard cameos as the too sarcastic Air Force Lt. Bob Hookstratten. This Is Spinal Tap’s supporting cast is insane.
Spinal Tap may be a joke of a heavy metal band, but the soundtrack to This Is Spinal Tap is actually very technical and pleasant classic metal. With energetic songs like “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” or “Sex Farm” showcase playful songwriting and nice vocals. Whereas, epic songs like “Rock and Roll Creation” and “Stonehedge” display the band’s strong musicianship and progressive attitude to just play whatever. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner made a realistic heavy metal band’s album for this comedy movie and I appreciate their dedication to the joke.
Robert Leighton, Kent Beyda, and Kim Secrist’s editing is so fast and natural, you feel like you’re with the band on tour throughout America and Japan at all times. Their cuts keep you close to each character and make This Is Spinal Tap’s brief 82 minute run-time a quick blast through rock history. All the costumes and make-up are as outrageous as every rock and roll or heavy metal band’s outfits through the 70’s and 80’s for added realism.
In conclusion, This Is Spinal Tap is less Anvil: The Story of Anvil in its earnesty, but rather full on Wayne’s World or Tenacious D with the spirit of true documentary realism to showcase a plethora of comedic talent. Rob Reiner in his prime was unstoppable!
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Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
