This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 mockumentary film directed by Rob Reiner that follows a fictional British heavy metal band on a disastrous American tour.
The film popularized the mockumentary format and contributed phrases to the language, most notably the idea of something going to eleven—exceeding the normal maximum.
The title is sometimes used as shorthand for rock-world absurdity or self-parody.
Imitating factual film techniques
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- talking headsChest-up video commentators
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
- fly-on-the-wallUndetected observer status
Rob Reiner · interviews · cinéma vérité · handheld camera · fourth wall · candid · deadpan
- 1984Dystopian surveillance state tale
- improvised dialogueUnscripted spoken exchange
- ensemble castMultiple principal performers equally
- cameoBrief guest appearance
Aggressive amplified rock genre
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
- guitarFretted stringed instrument
- volumeAmount of space filled
- elevenTen plus one
sustain · power chord · bass · drums · headbang · tour · roadie · backstage
Satirical imitation
- spoofComic exaggerated imitation
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- send-upMocking imitation of something
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
irony · exaggeration · absurdity · skewering · critique · hyperbole · ego · pretension
Worth citing verbatim
- fanbaseCollective devoted audience
- midnight screeningFilm shown at twelve AM
- StonehengePrehistoric megalithic circle
- armadillosShell-covered burrowing mammals
spontaneous combustion · drummers · cucumber · devotees · in-jokes · revival · iconic · treasured
documentary-style
Imitating factual film techniques
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- talking headsChest-up video commentators
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
Rob Reiner · fly-on-the-wall · interviews · cinéma vérité · handheld camera · fourth wall · candid · deadpan
Rob Reiner
- 1984Dystopian surveillance state tale
- improvised dialogueUnscripted spoken exchange
- ensemble castMultiple principal performers equally
heavy metal
Aggressive amplified rock genre
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
- guitarFretted stringed instrument
- volumeAmount of space filled
eleven · sustain · power chord · bass · drums · headbang · tour · roadie · backstage · groupie
parody
Satirical imitation
caricature · irony · exaggeration · absurdity · skewering · critique · hyperbole · ego · pretension · self-importance
quotable
Worth citing verbatim
- fanbaseCollective devoted audience
- midnight screeningFilm shown at twelve AM
- StonehengePrehistoric megalithic circle
armadillos · spontaneous combustion · drummers · cucumber · devotees · in-jokes · revival · iconic · treasured · enduring
This Is Spinal TapAlmost Famous
Just below widespread recognition
Bohemian Rhapsody · Rocketman · The Doors · Walk the Line · Purple Rain
This Is Spinal TapAmadeus
Lover of God
Ray · Straight Outta Compton · Coal Miner's Daughter · prestige film · Oscar bait
spinal, tap, spine, spines, spiny, taps, tapped, tapping, tapper