this is spinal tap (1984)

by zEke

this is spinal tap poster Rob Reiner’s first feature file has little to do with what he has done afterwards. this is spinal tap is a fake documentary about the 1982 American tour of the waning band Spinal Tap. Rob Reiner himself plays Marty DiBergi the director of the documentary as he portrays the ins and outs of Michael St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), the band leaders.

McKean, Guest and Shearer merely play their musical instruments and speak in a British accent. That is all they need to keep the fake documentary rolling. Despite the far fetched situations portrayed they are able to keep it real from beginning to end, and that is always welcome. As for Reiner, he is good as his other self.

this is spinal tap recap in almost ninety minutes every single urban legend about heavy metal bands, as sexist, misogynist and masculine as those might or not be. Michael and Nigel have known each other since childhood and played together under numerous band names until finally label themselves. They played rhythm and blues and psychedelic before turning to heavy metal, just as any other real, as in true, eighties heavy metal band. Status Quo as an example here. Of course, both Michael and Nigel are as gifted as lazy and stupid. Is not that the image many people have of heavy metal band members?

There is more, though. There are grotesque band member deaths (i.e. drummers), some of them faithful references to real ones, no matter how ridiculous they might sound. Just as an example, Bon Scott, the original singer of AC/DC died after choking on his own vomit. Sexist controversial covers, ego fights between band members, a girlfriend wanting to rule the show, empty venues, drugs, etcetera, etcetera.

this is spinal tap succeeds at recreating the heavy metal scene of the eighties and has become a cult following since its video release. It is also funny at times and it will definitely appeal old buddies that keep an electric guitar under a layer of dust in their closet.

For the deadhours of those who used to copy their hairstyles from jem (1985).