This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 American mockumentary film co-written and directed by Rob Reiner. The film stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer as the members of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap. The movie is a parody of the "rockumentary" film genre and follows the band on a fateful tour, chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi.
Plot
The film follows the fictional English heavy metal band of the same name as they embark on a disastrous comeback tour in the United States to promote their new album, "Smell the Glove." The film, presented as a mockumentary, chronicles their hilarious mishaps and reveals the inner workings of their dysfunctional band dynamics.
Key plot points:
- Ambitious Tour: The band, led by egotistical frontman David St. Hubbins and dimwitted guitarist Nigel Tufnel, dreams of a triumphant return to America. However, their tour is plagued by technical difficulties, dwindling audiences, and bizarre logistical problems.
- Stage Shenanigans: The film showcases Spinal Tap's trademark over-the-top stage show, featuring amplifiers turned up to eleven, a miniature Stonehenge set that gets demolished, and a controversial giant puppet resembling Margaret Thatcher.
- Behind-the-Scenes Chaos: Through interviews and backstage footage, we see the band's internal conflicts, romantic entanglements, and struggles with their clueless manager and record label.
- Running Gags: The film is peppered with recurring jokes that highlight the band's incompetence and absurdity. These include:
- A string of deceased drummers with increasingly outlandish deaths.
- Nigel's amplifier knobs labeled "none," "more," and "eleven."
- Derek Smalls, the enigmatic bassist with questionable musical talent and personal hygiene.
- The band's nonsensical lyrics and bizarre musical ideas.
- Decline and Self-Reflection: As the tour descends further into chaos, the band grapples with their fading relevance and contemplates their future. The film ends on a bittersweet note, leaving the audience to ponder the fate of Spinal Tap and the nature of rock and roll fame.
Trailer
Cast
Main Cast:
- Rob Reiner as Marty DiBergi
- Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins
- Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel
- Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls and Ian Faith
Supporting Cast:
- Tony Hendra as Jeanine St. Hubbins
- Bruno Kirby as Tommy Pischedda
- R.J. Parnell as Mick Shrimpton
- Patrick Macnee as Sir Denis Eton-Hogg
- Danny Kortchmar as Ronnie Pudding
- Fred Willard as Brian Banana
- Paul Shortino as Derek Smalls (singing voice)
- Peter Frampton as himself
Additional Cast:
- Ed Begley Jr. as John "Stumpy" Pepys
- Fran Drescher as Bobbi Flekman
- Billy Crystal as Morty the Mime
- Howard Hesseman as Terry Ladd
- Patrick Maher as New York M.C.
- Chuck Mitchell as Roadie
- Paul Schaeffer as Roadie
- David Kaff as Viv Savage
- June Chadwick as Jeanine
- Sandy Helberg as Angelo DiMentibelio
- Zane Buzby
- Jennifer Child
- George McDaniel
- Anne Churchill
- Lara Cody
- Russ Kunkel
- Gina Marie Pitrello
- Victory Tischler-Blue
- Gloria Gifford
- Archie Hahn
- Wonderful Smith
- Chris Romano
- Rodney Kemerer
- Raechel Donahue
- Sean Frye
- Paul Korda
- Artie Ripp
- Spinal Tap (credited collectively)
Director: Rob Reiner
Writer: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner.
Box Office Gross: $4,736,202
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1984
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 3, 2016