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This Is Spinal Tap (1984): Rob Reiner
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A spot-on spoof rockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap casts a shrewd and knowing glance over the rock'n'roll industry. As the director of the film, Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), says, he decided to film the group on their first US tour in 6 years because they were something special. With critically acclaimed albums such as Shark Sandwich and The Gospel according to Spinal Tap behind them, their new release (Smell the Glove) is intended to be at the centre of the publicity machine. Unfortunately it hasn't actually been released when the band members, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), arrive in New York. However, their manager Ian Faith (Tony Hendra) assures them that it'll be out by the time they hit Philadelphia.
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This is Spinal Tap" chronicles the American tour of the fictional band, Spinal Tap. The "rockumentary" was made by filmmaker Marty DiBergi (played by director/co-writer Rob Reiner), who often appears in the film, interviewing the band. (It should be noted that DiBergi’s name is trademarked in the film.) Spinal Tap is made up of guitarist/vocalist David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), plus a drummer and keyboardist. Spinal Tap has been in existence since the mid 1960’s and their sound has evolved with the times. (Actually, they play whatever music is popular, in hopes of cashing in on a fad.) For their 1984 tour, the band is playing heavy metal and sporting a giant devil skull over their stage. The documentary ... features the band’s manager, Ian Faith (Tony Hendra) and Jeanine (June Chadwick), David’s girlfriend.
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There is no use denying it, This Is Spinal Tap is a cultural phenomenon. This film, which came into being way back in 1984, is former All In the Family co-star Rob Reiner's first directorial effort. under his belt. However, unlike several other actors-turned-directors who have had to eat humble pie their first few times out, Reiner has hit a home run at his first trip to the plate.
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Besides the "story", the other great thing about "This is Spinal Tap" is the music. The songs in the film are sung in a style where all of the ludicrous lyrics are audible... adding to the comedic value of the film. All of the songs in the film were written by Reiner, McKean, Guest, and Shearer, and performed by the three lead actors. Also, Spinal Tap’s portrayal of heavy metal rockers is dead on. (And surprisingly accurate, since that brand of metal didn’t really take off until about 1986.)
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This is Spinal Tap. Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Tony Hendra, Bruno Kirby, Rob Reiner. Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, produced by Karen Murphy. colour. 82 min. 1984.
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The greatest of all fictumentaries, This is Spinal Tap is ... one of the greatest comedy films made in the past twenty years. Combining three incredibly talented performers with one very funny director, and using an ideal method for imitating the documentary form, Spinal Tap is the kind of home run that most filmmakers can only dream of. As one of the stars of “All in the Family,” and the son of celebrity director Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner didn’t really have to fight to break into the Hollywood Hall of Fame. His place was secured many years before he put on (quite literally) the director’s cap. It’s not surprising that Rob Reiner turned out to be such a funny director, but it is surprising that he managed to pull off such a great film on his first try.
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Rob Reiner