Review: This Is Spinal Tap (Criterion Collection Spine #12)

I have seen this movie so many times that I’ll never forget it is a parody, but the “documentary” style is so convincing it could easily fool a first-time viewer. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer are so committed to their roles that “authentic” is the only descriptor that fits. They don’t play for laughs; they play for truth, which makes the result hilarious. The comedy happens to them. Whether it’s getting lost backstage or dealing with a tiny stage prop, the cast plays everything straight.

The “Stonehenge” sequence remains the perfect example of this. Seeing an 18-inch model descend from the rafters—shot brilliantly over Nigel’s shoulder to briefly trick us into thinking it’s full-size—is pure visual comedy. But the punchline isn’t the prop; it is David’s genuine terror and confusion. The guys aren’t trying to be funny; they are just living through a nightmare.

At its core, this is a story about the tragedy of lack of awareness. David and Nigel had a taste of the big time and have spent decades chasing another peak on “success mountain.” Even when they find a glimmer of fame in Japan at the end, it feels like a band-aid on the reality that they are washed up in the US. Their denial is total.

The Verdict: I am not certain why Criterion chose a comedy to be the first American film in the library, but I am glad they did. It invented the mockumentary genre, paving the way for The Office and launching the careers of an entire generation of improv artists. I love this choice, I love that Rob Reiner (RIP) was involved, and I love that it feels less like a movie and more like a window into the ridiculous, beautiful dream of rock and roll.