Reiner "Taps" Into Something Special

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2000)

An aging, fading British rock group is touring America, and on hand to document the occasion is a filmmaker who has been blown away by their sound since the first time he heard them; and the result is offered up here for the perusal of all, in `This Is Spinal Tap,' without question the best feature length parody of a rock band ever made, directed by Rob Reiner. When the band returns to the U.S. to promote their latest album, `Smell The Glove,' director Marty DiBergi (Reiner) accompanies them on tour, conducting interviews and taping performances, in an effort to get it all down for posterity. And get it all he does; the highs and lows, the drama and pathos, the words, wisdom and witticisms of this legendary rock group. It's all here, and we owe it all to a man of incredible intuition, imagination and foresight, Marty DiBergi. But, with all seriousness aside, folks...	When this film was released in 1984, it was fresh and new, cutting edge satire that seemed almost outrageous and scathingly intemperate; and to some extent, it still does today. The difference now, however, is that the times have caught up to and surpassed the parody of the movie. By anyone's standards, much of this film now seems quite tame, though the subject of the satire remains every bit as relevant today as it did then. The interviews, conducted and delivered with such dry humor and subtle wit, readily withstand the test of time and are as funny now as ever; but the songs, especially the lyrics, pale now somewhat in the wake of such acts as Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Monster Magnet, System Of A Down, Coal Chamber, Pantera and Alice In Chains (just to mention a few), all of whom in reality have gone far beyond the parameters set by Spinal Tap. And with today's accessibility to such a wide variety of groups and music via MTV, MTVX, VH-1 and all the other myriad cable connections, it's simply taken the `sting' out of the impact of the film. Like science fiction that has become science fact, our culture and society has contextually changed it's frame of reference, which of course must change the way we perceive a film like `Spinal Tap.'	What can never change is the quality of the overall movie, the precision of the satire, and the caliber of the performances and direction. With genuine sincerity, Reiner/DiBergi delivers a truly believable `Rockumentary.' His pace and timing are impeccable, and his eye for detail is thorough (though much of it will be lost on today's generation). The performances are first rate all around: Michael McKean, totally credible as David St. Hubbins (lead guitar, vocals), possibly the best character he's ever done; Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel (lead guitar, vocals); Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls (bass, vocals); and, of course Reiner, who'is' DeBergi. Also turning in notable performances are Bruno Kirby (Tommy Pischedda), R.J. Parnell (Mick Shrimpton, drummer), David Kaff (Viv Savage, keyboards, vocals), Tony Hendra (Ian Faith), Fran Drescher (Bobbi Flekman), and Patrick Macnee (Sir Denis Eaton-Hogg). Though it may have lost some of it's edge due to changing times, `This Is Spinal Tap' will forever remain a milestone in cinematic history. The songs may be dated but the humor is timeless; this is top-notch satire, and the parody set the standard in the rock genre for those who followed, like Weird Al Yankovic. The appeal of this film is going to vary from generation to generation, and it follows that the level of appreciation is going to vary; but the fact will always remain that this is a unique movie that succinctly captures the spirit and essence of an entire era. And for that, Reiner and Co. get a tip of the hat. I rate this one 9/10.