Rock and Roll Part 1: This Is Spinal Tap

Movies are a funny thing. When one listens to the people who make them talking about their production, one hears about an enormous work of organization. People's schedules need to be lined up, the locations have to be set, and so on. Of the hundreds and thousands of movies that get made every year, a few of them are something special. If that merging of forces cold be quantified and bottled, movie producers everywhere would be going to that well constantly.

I think this whenever I watch anything regarding the making of "Spinal Tap." Here is a movie made for very little money, and without even much of a script (much of the film is improvised). But what comes out on the screen is nothing short of genius. It is about all of these people (Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and so many others) coming together at a specific time and place and making a truly amazing movie. The first time I saw it, I was at a friend's house 15 or so years ago. The three of us who watched it had all heard of it for years, but had never seen it. Each scene reminded me of the funniest SNL sketch I had ever seen, yet this movie strung together 23 of those sketches in a row.

Why is it amazing? It is the most dead-on satire you will ever hope to find in film. It follows a fictitious rock band as their latest tour (promoting their new album, "Smell the Glove") falls apart. Anyone who knows anything about rock history, or has heard any of the less than glamorous anecdotes about certain rock stars can find something here. David St. Hubbins' girlfriend reminds us of Yoko Ono. Derek Smalls the bass player always seems dim. And Nigel Tufnel reminds us of the self importance of it all, whether he is caressing his precious guitar collection, or losing his cool over David's dalliances with his girlfriend.

It's no big surprise, I suppose, that this movie is special. The people who made it have amazing comedic talent. But how did it come together so well? On a commentary by the filmmakers, they explain how all of them love rock music. The affection for the music comes out, but also the critique of those who make that music. The satire is merciless, but it only stings so much because of the truth in it.

It is also one of the most quotable movies ever made:

"These go to eleven..."

"One of those things the authorities said...best leave it unsolved..."

""HELLO CLEVELAND!!!"

"It's such a fine line between stupid and clever..."

"Dozens of people spontaneously combust every year, it's just not widely reported..."

Just a few choice lines. This movie is a reverse love note to rock music, and every time I watch it, I am blown away by its brilliance. If you have ever cared about a band or followed rock music at all, it's for you. Rock on folks.