Classic Movie BONUS: This Is Spıinal Tap

Welcome to Classic Movie Monday, BONUS edition. Every Monday (and random days like today), I watch a film at least 25 years old that I have never seen before. I will then write my comments on the film, telling you what I thought of it. This is an attempt to beef up my classic film knowledge as well as highlight some forgotten gems of Hollywood's heyday. So without further ado...

This Is Spinal Tap
Released: March 2, 1984
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Starring: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, & Harry Shearer

Plot in a Nutshell:
This mockumentary examines the "complicated" and drama infested lives of rock stars on a tour. Hilarity ensues.

What I thought:
I've heard many things about this fake documentary for years. So many people reference so many times when talking about trumped up ego-filled rock stars. Made in an interesting style, the fake documentary, this film manages to capture the absurdity of modern day rock stars so effortlessly. And it is at times, very funny.

I'm not sure what the back-story to this project is, how it got made, why they chose who they did, how things came together. The reason I don't know is that it seems everyone involved apparently wants to maintain the illusion that this is in fact a real British rock band called Spinal Tap. And they really were the subject of a documentary. So all you have to go on with this film is the film itself (funny how that works).

Mostly ad-libbed by the three primary band members, and the documentary director (Reiner), the film contains the spontaneity of a documentary shot on the cuff. But hidden within the sometimes incoherent mumbling and the dopey eyed stares of an aging rock band, is some genuine comedy. The part that is probably most well known is the talk about how their amps have dials that go to 11. So they can leave it at 10, but if they need just that little extra bit of power, they can take it up to 11.

The film is filled with interesting little moments like that. They first make you laugh with their arrogant incompetence, then you find yourself thinking, are they REALLY like that? Did the actors, really capture the essence of rock stars? Without having any friends who travel or perform on tour, I can't really say. But I can't imagine the Steven Tylers or the Ozzy Osbournes are really that far off from these crazy characters.

The thing that made it so enjoyable was just how lost these guys really are. There's a real duality to them in that they are supreme, confident, and so sure of themselves. Yet they are vacant-headed enough that they can't find their way to a stage, they can't tell feet from inches, and they can't use pieces of tiny bread to make a sandwich. They are complete airheads, that so believe in themselves and their lifestyle. You almost wonder what they are like when the tour ends, and they go home.

Bottom Line:
Cocky, dim-witted rock stars are hilarious.

B+

Sphere: Related Content