This is Spinal Tap

  • 82'
  • USA
  • 1984
Within the small and unruly genre of the fake documentary, this film is an absolute classic. It has acquired a following (see e.g. McDonalds Hard Core Logo in this programme) and defined the norm for its own sub-genre, that of the mock rockumentary. Director Reiner performs in his own film as documentary-maker Marty DiBergi who is making a TV film about his favourite British hard-rock band This is Spinal Tap. It may be unnecessary to point this out, but the band loving called The Tap by fans never existed - a legend was evoked especially for the film. The fake group was given an oeuvre (for which Reiner was among those to write songs), a past (including 'archive' footage of old gigs) and of course groupies. The result is a parody obviously made with great pleasure and expertise on the pop documentary, telling a few home truths about the music industry.
  • 82'
  • USA
  • 1984
Directors
Rob Reiner, Rob Reiner
Country of production
USA
Year
1984
Festival Edition
IFFR 1997
Length
82'
Medium
16mm
Language
English
Producer
Karen Murphy
Sales
Studio Canal+ Services
Screenplay
Christopher Guest, Rob Reiner
Cast
Christopher Guest, Rob Reiner
Directors
Rob Reiner, Rob Reiner
Country of production
USA
Year
1984
Festival Edition
IFFR 1997
Length
82'
Medium
16mm
Language
English
Producer
Karen Murphy
Sales
Studio Canal+ Services
Screenplay
Christopher Guest, Rob Reiner
Cast
Christopher Guest, Rob Reiner