This Is Spinal Tap

by Ethan de Seife

A documentary, a mockumentary, indeed a "rockumentary"--Rob Reiner's phony road movie following the exploits of a fictitional heavy metal band has long been celebrated as a comedy landmark. This book is the first attempt to provide a sustained critical appraisal of the film's success, addressing general cinephiles and devoted Tapheads alike. The study considers the film within the context of cult cinema, real and mock documentaries, Hollywood comedies and musicals, and the history of rock music. This detailed stylistic and comic analysis offers new insights into the ardent Cult of Tap.

Genres: Music

131 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2007

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so my brother wrote it. BUT! I am also a part of the Spinal Tap cult, and I read this book with that in mind. The book explores the cult aspect of the movie and how it has invaded our culture. Liked Walk Hard? You'll love Spinal Tap. Liked Drop Dead Gorgeous? It wouldn't be here without Spinal Tap. Want some history of the movie and the full lyrics to Big Bottom? Read my brother's book!

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and intriguing read for any Spinal tap fan. I would not recommend reading this until after a few viewings. It really helps you understand the subtle genius that went into making such an amazing movie.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a fanboy's book - had me reliving all my favorite moments and told me some trivia I hadn't know. This book is none more black.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough for an airplane read! I would actually give this 3.5 stars if GoodReads allowed. This is my first time reading one of these Cultographies series, which I discovered at Modern Times bookstore in SF. Like many of the 33 1/3rd books (which I'm always going on about), this starts out with an interminable biographical preface explaining why the author loves the movie so damn much. But it picks up later and goes into depth comparing the cinema verite of Tap to Fredrick Wiseman, and the musical numbers to Seven Brides...so definitely of interest.

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting trivia about the film and Tap fans and an interesting contextualisation of the film within the documentary/rockumentary/mockumentary genre.