Watching This Is Spinal Tap for the FIRST TIME & This Movie GOES TO 11!!!!!!

[@TheMirandalorianReacts]

MY REACTION TO ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE COMEDY MOVIES IS BEING POSTED ON MY BIRTHDAY!!! I could not have planned this any better!! I really hope you guys enjoy this video :)

[@A.Musing.Streamer]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Be sure to do at least 2.8 things just for you today. 🎉🎉

[@jamesedens8245]

Happy Birthday !!

[@solomongrundy9735]

🥳🎂🎉

[@VonBlade]

Happy birthday. Now walk this way. No, like this.

[@Harv72b]

Happy birthday! 🥳🥳🥳

[@EdwardTemple]

In Princess Bride the number of Christopher Guest's fingers goes to 11.

[@jasonremy1627]

Nice

[@bigdream_dreambig]

You win the Internet today.

[@JoeD0403]

That’s brilliant. I’ve seen both movies a million times and never put that together.

[@cmcculloch1]

fucking hell ive never thought of that!!!

[@Theomite]

Great fucking shit, I've never thought about that.

[@ksgant]

A funny thing about "Big Bottoms" that a lot of people miss is that they're all playing basses during the song.

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

I never spotted that! But there's so much stuff crammed into this. I only recently cottoned on to the other band manager at the hotel saying he has to get going, because he and his band need to sit around waiting for their limo. 🤣

[@coot1925]

I'm a 62 year old brit who's been a rock drummer since I was 12. I've been through all the BS in this movie and it's uncomfortably accurate. Equipment going wrong, arguments, the interfering girlfriends and really bad ideas. The Nigel character is an exact copy of a guitarist I was in a band with....the hair and the nasal voice. One example of something going wrong was at a gig in London. I had a pretty big drum kit and it barely fit on the drum riser at the back of the stage. During the gig I realised that the kick drum was slowly moving further away from me and getting close to the edge. I was trying to get my usually very alert drum tech Kevin to come and fix it but he was busy just off stage with his hand up some random girls skirt and couldn't hear my screams. Then the whole lot fell off to the thunderous sound of mics and symbols crashing. All I was left with was the snare drum and hi-hat so I just continued while everyone rushed on and put the whole lot back up. Another time the lead singer got an electric shock off the mic which left a perfect print of a "Sure SM58" mic grill on his lips. God I miss those days. ✌🏻❤🇬🇧

[@saksit247]

Any spontaneous combusting drummers/members? 😅🤣😂

[@ronweber1402]

@@saksit247 Who do you think replaced Stumpy Joe? Kidding, kidding.

[@norwegianblue2017]

I heard a lot of Brits thought Christopher Guest was English, his accent was so convincing.

[@coot1925]

@@norwegianblue2017 yer. It's spot on one of the best London accents I've heard. They're all brilliant and certainly fooled me the first time I watched it.

[@StCerberusEngel]

That's rock n' roll, baby! 🤘

[@davidevans3175]

As a veteran of the music business for 30 years, this movie is so accurate down to the details it's uncanny.

[@robertbunting3117]

Yes there is actually a Spinal Tap album and yes the guys played their own instruments..also the guy that barely talks, is Harry Shearer, he does multiple voices on The Simpsons including Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner

[@kevinkorenke3569]

There are TWO Spinal Tap albums with a handful of one-off recordings.

[@williamcarbajal383]

I want to see her react to the Simpsons episode with Spinal Tap. 😂 It's such a classic 🤘😎

[@matthewhawkins517]

And Michael McKeenan is Lenny on Laverne and Shirley.

[@satyadasgumbyji8956]

I came back through my hometown of Nashville in late 90's & saw Tap was touring, something never heard of before or since. Was psyched af! Tickets only $10!!! But it was at amphitheater just outside city, no bus-line, I had no ride & couldn't find any fukn body from all my old friends, most of whom were fellow NASHVILLE MUSICIANS! SMGDMFH!🙄 Think quite a few regret it now since never toured again.😅 There's a concert on here from that tour & also their set from Freddy Mercury Wimbley Tribute Concert should be from around same time. When aired live they confronted Metallica in their dressing room over stealing Black Album idea that had just recently hit airwaves, launching them to mega success. 🤘🌎❤️

[@chrisstory563]

@@kevinkorenke3569 they sort of did another one called back from the dead that features some new stuff and some rework older tunes back in 2008 or 2009

[@NEIL-CURCIO]

the 11 scene is so brilliant, this movie is a true masterpiece

[@stobe187]

"Virtually all dialogue in the film is improvised. Actors were given outlines indicating where scenes would begin and end and character information necessary to avoid contradictions, but everything else came from the actors. As often as possible, the first take was used in the film, to capture natural reactions."

[@chrissandoval7675]

a technique mr. guest has stuck to for decades to great success.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

Works great as long as you have great actors.

[@stobe187]

@@MikkoRantalainen Toki :)

[@heldandhold2483]

Unfortunately in this day and age you miss out on all the extras that were on DVDs since the DVD of Spinal Tap came with almost a full feature film worth of bonus improved outtakes. And so much of it is also comedy gold!

[@DrJohnnyFever.]

Life is improvised.

[@blatherama]

"It's such a fine line between stupid and clever." Story of my life.

[@RobertJWaco]

I actually used that quote yesterday during a meeting. No one recognized it

[@cshubs]

The other Christopher Guest mocumentaries are also hysterical. The ones I've seen are winners: Best in Show (dog shows), Waiting for Guffman (community theater), and A Mighty Wind (folk music).

[@LordVolkov]

Best in Show is my fave of his. Amazing cast.

[@zmarko]

All of those are excellent, and I know she would really enjoy Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind.

[@mattcrouch9348]

For Your Consideration is as good as all of those, better than some.

[@JonathanHoward-v3i]

Yes, watch the other Christopher Guest mockumentaries!

[@gsparkman]

@@LordVolkov 100%. Best In Show is hilarious.

[@jeffreyseidman8100]

In the film "A Mighty Wind" the members of Spinal Tap play a folk music trio called The Folksmen. When Spinal Tap went on tour, the Folksmen opened the show.

[@wes4198]

A Mighty Wind is my favorite of all of them, although all of them are amazing

[@johnenglish1955]

IMDB allows you to rate this movie up to 11, the only one like that on their site.

[@stephenkehl7158]

It shows “out of 11 stars,” but only actually lets you give it a maximum of 10 stars.

[@megamaniac7402]

@@stephenkehl7158 that disappointed me. I really wanted to crank it up to 11

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

The BBC when they launched their first I-Player streaming service made sure you could set the volume from 1-11

[@Ubernerd3000]

Michael McKean (David St Hubbins) rose to fame playing the character Leonard Kosnofsky along side his longtime performing partner David L Lander aka Squiggy…Lenny and Squiggy became popular as part of the ensemble cast of the sitcom Laverne and Shirley; they became so popular that they even recorded an album as their in-show band, Lenny and the Squigtones; one of the members of The Squigtones was Nigel Tufnel, played by Christopher Guest…

[@Jason-wh3mq]

If you have the bluray/dvd, there is an option to watch the movie with cast commentary. But they do the whole commentary track in character. It is beyond hilarious!

[@dedcowbowee]

I gotta get that!

[@thunderscatable]

@@dedcowbowee You can also find it on youtube, just the audio though.

[@dedcowbowee]

@@thunderscatable Thanks!

[@calibadgerdude6082]

Yes! Both the directors commentary and the cast commentary are in character and absolutely hilarious. I love how they rip on each other and claim that that the movie ruined their reputation, blaming each other for the downfall.

[@darylabrams2]

The commentary is almost more funny than the movie itself. I love when David says at the end that he was angry and drunk. Then says it's a good thing I didn't have a car. 😂

[@chrisbiebel6205]

The 3 main band members were all, at one time, part of the SNL cast. The interviewer, who you said you recognized, was the director, Rob Reiner (this was his movie directorial debut (he did a couple of things on TV first)). Some of the smaller parts in the movie done by famous actors: Two of the mimes came from Saturday Night Live: Billy Crystal and Dana Carvey. The woman who made the 18" Stonehenge was Angelica Houston. The woman with the nasal voice was Fran Drescher (From "The Nanny" and currently the president of SAG-AFTRA). Sir Denis was Patrick Macnee (From the old British spy show "The Avengers"). Their first drummer was Ed Begley Jr. The manager of the other band was Howard Hesseman (From WKRP). Artie Fufkin (the "Kick my ass" guy) was Paul Shaffer who was the band leader for the David Letterman Show. The Air Force guy was Fred Willard.

[@kkjhn41]

The limo driver was Bruno Kirby who played the young version of Clemenza ib Godfather 2.

[@Grithron2]

The "kick my ass, please" routine is something Charlie Parker used to do when he was found out by the people he'd conned for drug money - e.g his very public confrontation with Jackie Mac a few weeks before hie died.

[@brettsiegel6934]

Miranda: I love the crotch shots. Me: [spits my food up laughing hysterically] Miranda, you are easily as funny as the comedies you react to! You never disappoint!

[@RichardX1]

Ironically, Michael McKean (David St. Hibbens, the blond one) wasn't a Saturday Night Live cast member until a decade AFTER this movie, although he had guest-hosted at least once.

[@gmalcolms]

Yes, but many of these actors did not become well known until years after this film came out. For example, none of them had been on SNL at this time. And even when someone was somewhat well known, such as Michael McKean, who played Lenny on Laverne & Shirley, or Rob Reiner, known as Meathead on All in the Family, they were hardly recognizable.

[@PreRockDoc]

They are a real band, Miranda. I've seen them live three times now. They, and Rob Reiner, wrote all the music and lyrics for this movie. What you hear is really Spinal Tap playing. And, they sound good live. When they performed their Unwigged and Unplugged last tour performance over a decade ago in Milwaukee, I was actually able to score one of the stage set lists. There is a DVD of that performance available that you should check out. It shows how talented they really are. I was worried you wouldn't like or get this. Why worry, you love a good comedy and admire musical numbers. Thanks for another great reation.

[@LGPelletier]

I saw that tour in Phoenix, what a great event.

[@ronweber1402]

One story I heard was at one of their Spinal Tap concerts they came out first as the warm up band dressed as characters from their folk world mockumentary A Mighty Wind and started playing folk music and the crowd booed them off the stage. A few minutes later after a makeup and costume change the same guys came out as Spinal Tap and the crowd went wild. Most of them had no idea they were the same guys.

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

I saw Tap live in Indy back in the 90s for FREE. 🤯 And I definitely got my money's worth. Such punctual lads. 🤘💀🤘

[@MATTHEW-rp3kq]

live? oh you lucky devil

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

Yep, seen them play Glastonbury Festival, someone in the audience also brought a 'life size' for the film "Stonehenge", they were using it as a seat until the song came on and then held it aloft! The Audience reaction was fantastic!

[@gregoryeatroff8608]

"This film makes me want to be a drummer" is like watching Star Trek and saying "I really should wear red shirts more often." This isn't the first mockumentary, or even the first rock mockumentary -- The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash came out a bit earlier. Eric Idle and Neil Innes were the driving force behind that.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

“I would like to be a hairdresser - or maybe two hairdressers” Barry Wom, The Rutles

[@Vrakom]

@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 ''Stunned...very stunned.'' Same

[@danflashes7125]

Big Bottom is truly one of the most romantic songs of the 20th century.

[@toddhill7483]

Right up there with Lick my Love Pump

[@trespasserswill7052]

Except Lick My Love Pump lacks lyrics like pink torpedo or not a dry seat in the house. @toddhill7483

[@evanward4303]

Way ahead of it's time

[@TylerD288]

Did you dance to it at your wedding?

[@trespasserswill7052]

@@TylerD288 My wife had Give Me Some Money played at our reception. I really paid it no attention at the time. I guess I was preoccupied with mudflaps for some reason.

[@A.Musing.Streamer]

"These go to 11..." the delivery is

[@LordVolkov]

"But why not make 10 louder?" Rob Reiner trying to inject logic into the madness always cracks me up.

[@kmcleod31721]

The pause as Nigel is trying to process the logic of Marty's question

[@ItDoesntMatterReally]

I had a Canadian friend who loved Spinal Tap and actually attended their concerts, but had never seen This Is Spinal Tap. He was somehow unaware of them being a technically fictional band. Just loved the music.

[@buning_sensations5437]

Christopher Guest is brilliant, "Best of Show" is a must see.

[@reesebn38]

He does not get credit. He is a Genius!! His one year on SNL(84-85) with Billy Crystal & Martin Short is one of the best season of SNL.

[@curtismartin2866]

Waiting for Guffman us an absolute MUST for you! It is a love letter to local theater and to those not so great artist who just have to do art. You will love that movie.

[@michaelb1761]

The way Gerry Fleck (Eugene Levy) comes through at the end and overcomes his two left feet almost brought me to tears. It was so touching.

[@t0dd000]

My favorite.

[@DonaldHolben]

A trained classical musician as well.

[@EricWalker-p7e]

This movie is especially funny to those of us who played in bands back in the day. Just the general chaos and confusion of traveling around playing shows, and the personal conflicts with band mates when you’re crammed together traveling so much, is so relatable.

[@deepdrag8131]

.

[@markmcgee2417]

In the film A Mighty Wind the three Spinal Tap actors reunited to portray a folk music band.

[@WeerdMunkee]

They actually opened for themselves during a Spinal Tap tour. 😂

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

It's nice that they have a lady in the band.

[@1069KLICFM]

I saw the tour they did for Mighty Wind. All but one of the New Main Street Singers was there, and they did have a few of the non-singing characters from the film. It was a great time.

[@Greg-m6c6m]

Ol 97 got in the wrong hole, now in mine number sixty, there's blood on the coal.

[@toddhill7483]

The moment I saw Miranda had a Spinal Tap reaction video, I put my life on hold for an hour.

[@camannwordsmith]

They had a small outline of the major points, but almost all of the film was improvised. They shot 100 hours of footage - so much that 3 editors had to work on it.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

Your minor freakout to the scratching sound with the violin at 29:15 caused you to miss my favorite gag in this gag-laden masterpiece. Nigel pretentiously tunes the violin because he's such a precise artist!

[@michaelbrown2470]

By some freak chance, I just rewatched This Is Spinal Tap two days ago..... probably the 30th time I've watched it. I only noticed Nigel tuning the violin on this go-around. Almost died laughing. I saw the movie on opening night in Seattle.

[@TheGoIsWin21]

HOW DID I JUST NOW FIGURE OUT THAT THE SIX FINGERED MAN IS THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THESE MOCKUMENTARIES. WHAT? Also, Miranda going through every single emotion in the space of about thirty seconds during the stonehenge bit was absolute gold

[@evanschackmann5312]

The Stonehenge and the dancing elves. First time I saw this film was in the 80s, I was 17 and those damned elves dancing. It was so perfect. I laughed so hard I slid out of my chair.

[@BP-kx2ig]

What elves?

[@tofersiefken]

Yes, the band is "real" in that they wrote the songs, played the instruments, released multiple albums and even toured in character. There was a general outline of a script, but large segments of the interviews were improvised, in character, and stitched together in post.

[@CLIFFLIX]

This is THE "mockumentary" that STARTED them ALL. This is the original.

[@maclen1210]

Actually, the original rock mockumentary is from 1978 with "All you need is Cash", a prefab Beatles group called "The Rutles". Its by troops from Monty Python, Eric Idle and music by Neil Innes.

[@rantman4521]

You're not wrong. This is a timeless classic.

[@sirhilarybraybaronet3152]

If you can get hold of it, the 25th Anniversary DVD (I think it’s that one) has an audio commentary with the three main actors entirely in character, so it’s like a completely new movie on top of the original: an endless string of hilarious jokes and observations.

[@mightyV444]

I had the one that came with a bonus disc with 30 minutes of deleted scenes, 15 years or so ago. Most of them would've been worthy to end up in the actual movie! 😀

[@Somehiguy]

Yes, i had that as well, it was like getting 2 movies for one, because the in character commentary was just as funny.

[@TheFingerFrame]

The movie was basically improvised. They had a broad structure in which they knew more or less where they wanted to end up, but how they got there was up to the actors on the day. Reiner had hours and hours of film to go through and make a movie from the best pieces. If you watch the DVD version and have the commentary track on, all the principal actors did an in-character commentary where they complained that Marty DiBergi essentially did a hatchet job on them. Christopher Guest loved the format so much, he did several other improvised movies as many others in the comments have already mentioned.

[@markusaltendorff]

You may also want to take a look at "The Rutles" (1978), which is a mockumentary/parody aimed at the Beatles and the Beatles movies, made by Eric Idle of Monty Python and with input from George Harrison (who has produced some cult comedies with his company Handmade Films)

[@michaelmannon611]

The Rutles, A living legend that would last a lunchtime.

[@charliemac64]

And I believe it did come out before Spinal Tap. All you need is cash...for better production values! But the music in that mock was top-notch, no doubt!!!!

[@Ashtrayred]

Yep! Came here to make sure it was mentioned that The Rutles would be a good watch as well. A combo of SNL and Monty Python. They, too, like Spinal Tap, have CDs to buy. :)

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@charliemac64 Oh yes, The Rutles came out in ‘78. Way before Spinal Tap.

[@Grithron2]

The trouble with The Rutles is the multiple edits/dubs. At present the longer of the two uploads on KZbin has almost all the constituent materials.

[@tagoldich]

At my age I watch this and I recognize SO many famous faces in so many cameos through out. The guy who was congratulating the band on their American tour, that was Patrick Macnee who played Steed in the classic Avengers TV show.

[@nickfeeee]

The bassist went on to become the voice of Mr Burns in The Simpsons

[@jamesanthony8438]

Also, Principal Skinner, Ned Flanders, Kent Brockman and like a dozen others on the show. =)

[@cmecu_seemeseeyou9330]

Holy smokes that was Billy Crystal as the one Mime. I never seen this movie, but looks like I need to.

[@nicholashylton6857]

And other mime he was talking to was Dana Carvey. A brilliant comedic film. One of the most quotable movies ever created.

[@BradMyers-e8e]

"Are we doing 'Stonehenge' tomorrow?" "NO, WE'RE NOT DOING F@&KING 'STONEHENGE'!!!

[@sebswede9005]

The Stonehenge model has to be atleast....three times bigger than this!

[@Anti_Woke]

After my wife saw this movie I bought her a model stonehenge (tiny; each stone is only about 1 inch) for her birthday. Now 21 years later she still gets it out and sets it up for every Summer festival. > Turning it up to 11 is definitely THE line that sums up the whole movie. > Recommendation for 'Kenny', 2006 mockumentary about an Australian who rents out portable toilets.

[@iKvetch558]

"It's such a fine line between stupid and clever!" One of the best lines ever uttered in any movie ever! LOL Oh...and MEATHEAD! 😁 If you know, you know. ROFLMAO

[@cshubs]

"Mime is money!"

[@iKvetch558]

@@cshubs I was a little sad she did not notice that the mimes were Billy Crystal and Dana Carvey. LOL

[@zmarko]

And she edited around the stupid & clever line. 😭😢😡🤬

[@cshubs]

Also, "Fuck the napkin."

[@billgaber4282]

@@cshubs spoken by Billy Crystal

[@charlie.on.youtube]

As dozens have already said, please continue your Christopher Guest journey. I'm here for it! The three guys in Spinal Tap also play The Folksmen in A Mighty Wind, but here's the real fun fact: when Spinal Tap went on tour (for real) in 2001, The Folksmen performed as the opening act. Rumor has it The Folksmen actually received some boos from audience members, fans who had no idea they were already watching Spinal Tap's alter egos.

[@firedoc5]

Miranda, one of the things I'm really impressed about you is how a young'un such as yourself grasps things from an older generation. So much of this is quote worthy, especially the "turn it up to 11". Such great casting with big name stars, and some are not recognized at first. Billy Crystal and Dana Carvey are two of them as the mime waiters.

[@erickent3557]

Miranda: "This movie is a 10 out of 10" Everyone: "Waiiiiit for it....!"

[@tomy.1846]

But this one goes to 11?!

[@alexthorpe6583]

I remember when Spinal Tap released the song 'Back From the Dead' in about 2000. People were still using the Napster file sharing software. They put their song on 'Tapster', said it was better cause it's simpler. There's just one song on it, no decision making.

[@hackdaniels7253]

The thing about 'The Originals' and having to change their name is so... accurate. The UK was literally LOUSEY with bands at that time, and they all had very similar ideas. And that's the whole thing about this film - nearly all the things in it *really happened* to someone, at some point. Getting trapped in a pod. The drummer of Toto really did die in a bizarre gardening accident. Black Sabbath are supposed to have ended up with a 45 FOOT high Stonehenge stage prop. Jimi Hendrix choked on *his own* vomit - which is why their drummer possibly choking on someone else's vomit is funny, by the way.

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

About Jimi's death - same with Bon Scott.

[@jonathanbarclay8680]

Christopher Guest who plays Nigel has basically made a whole career directing and staring in mockumentaries. Also, the Six Fingered Man...

[@mightyV444]

I'd had no idea he'd also played the Six-Fingered Man! 😀

[@mikejacob3536]

And he's married to Jamie Lee Curtis...

[@inviduallytwisted5423]

Also Commander (Dr) Stone, in A Few Good Men.

[@ayingtorres5938]

If you search youtube, they have a reunion years later and they get back into character just like they are right back in the movie. They also play Music Festivals in the UK once in a while just like a real band.

[@frugalseverin2282]

Rob Reiner directed "The Princess Bride" which besides Christopher Guest (Nigel) also has Billy Crystal who was the chief mime in "Spinal Tap". Patrick Macnee played Sir Denis, he was in the British spy show "The Avengers" as John Steed. Classic.

[@rjcurrie61]

And, of course, Rob Reiner is the son of Carl Reiner, who was Mel Brooks' best friend.

[@stereo999]

THE RUTLES: ALL YOU NEED IS CASH a spoof of The Beatles' story with Monty Python and SNL people from 1975 was maybe the first rockumentary mockumentary, but that was made for TV. ~Test audiences did think Spinal Tap was a real band. They made two albums and toured (I saw them back in the 90s)

[@percey]

Notice that when they perform Big Bottom, they're all playing bass guitars.

[@UKJesterVids]

A quick search should also find a live performance with Tap joined by a lot of famous musicians, *all* playing bass

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

A song with a large bass sound is said to have a big bottom, which makes it dubly apt.

[@mightyV444]

...and a synth bass! 😊

[@chrino21]

The fact that the first "mockumentary" was a "rockumentary" is historically significant!

[@thejesseayy]

Apparently, a lot of musicians have said that many of the events of this movie are more accurate than you might think, especially getting lost in the venue

[@milhouse8525]

Almost all of the things happening to the band in the movie are real anecdotes that had happened to real bands. Led zeppelin once got lost for almost an hour in a venue if i remember correctly.

[@mrtveye6682]

I can confirm that. I used to be a rock/punk drummer - only in very small bands - and a lot of what's shown rings a lot of bells. And no matter what other musicians you met, if you just mentioned Spinal Tap, you could share funny stories, have a good laugh and kill that annoying waiting time in the backstage rooms for the show to start. TBH, partly even more crazy or disgusting stories.

[@milhouse8525]

@@mrtveye6682 I've been a touring sound engineer for more than 10 years before covid, i can relate 100% 🤣

[@0okamino]

Getting lost on the way to the venue is pretty common. Getting lost on the way to the stage… well, that’s pretty special.

[@Henrik_Holst]

@@milhouse8525 yep, even the stonehenge mistake is one that happened for real (the other way around though)

[@grantbaechler3529]

They actually played at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. They decided to cut their set by 20 songs because Freddie would've wanted it that way 😅😅😅

[@sean---the-other-one]

One of the best improvs was by the hotel manager: Plaintive, pathetic, slightly indignant cry: “I’m just as God made me”

[@inviduallytwisted5423]

Actor Paul Benedict, best known for Harry Bently on The Jeffersons

[@Dave1507]

Yes, every rockband is loud. That's why "the loudest" is something special.

[@rodentnolastname6612]

Yes, they put out an album in support of this film and toured. Over the years they played ocassional charity shows. They put out a second album in the 90s "Break Like the Wind" and just wrapped filming a sequel "documentary" set to release next year. 😯😊

[@mirozen_]

They actually went on tour after this movie! I saw them in Seattle for their "Breaks Like The Wind" tour - and it was insane!

[@michaelsandar]

"You can't really dust for vomit..."

[@matthewhoag2609]

A personal fav, lol.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Actually, drummer Jeff Porcaro died in a bizarre gardening accident.

[@metmanjeff]

The BBC iPlayer volume control goes up to 11 because of this film. As well as playing bass, Derek Smalls also runs a nuclear power station in Springfield. And is also the church reverend amongst other things.

[@RobertSmith-kb3jl]

According to Rob Reiner, the script was 4 pages. There was a character Bible for the band members and the Chicago concert basic structure. The rest was all improv.

[@matthewhawkins517]

I have a hard time believing that. It is just too good and there are too many other actors. I can believe there was a bunch of improv but there had to be more direction.

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

@@matthewhawkins517 Yeah, that is a bit of a stretch. Conceivably, there might have been only 4 pages (plus the character descriptions & stage planning) when the project was approved or even on the first day of filming, but not for the entire production until wrapping day. But yes, evidently, a lot of it was off the cuff. A script with everything nailed down to tiny detail could never flow as naturally. Hats off to all those actors, they've set an instant benchmark for all mockumentaries since.

[@michaelbuhl4250]

The rock musician who didn't laugh at the movie because he thought it was about a real band was Ozzy Osbourne. Another good story I've heard about rock musicians reacting to this movie is that there is a band (maybe Foghat, but I don't remember for certain) who insisted that the movie's writers had to have secretly bugged their tour bus because there is no other way they could have got the astrology obsessed girlfriend so spot-on perfect. Of the Christopher Guest directed mockumentaries, I think Waiting for Guffman is my favorite.

[@rodentnolastname6612]

While performing live shows to support the film, they actually played as the opening band, in different costumes, as a folk group called "The Folksmen". They reprised this group in the mocumentary "A Mighty Wind" 😯

[@daddynitro199]

A Mighty Wind is damn good. Fantastic cast.

[@farfromperfek]

The Rutles (Several Monty Python and early SNL) was first, I believe. It's also a parody of the Beatles documentary and paid for in part by George Harrison. I saw this in the theater when it came out. Was in 11th grade, and while I played Trumpet and French Horn, I hadn't been in a rock band yet and missed so many jokes. After years of playing in bands and working in a music store, it's hysterical, and I know so many people like this. It was Ozzy who thought it was real. Billy Crystal as a mime is one of many cameos.

[@mightyV444]

Yes, that movie about The Rutles is also very, very entertaining 😄👍

[@evanward4303]

Rutlemania!

[@solomongrundy9735]

They played their own instruments, too. There was the soundtrack, obviously, but they also released an album, "Break Like the Wind."

[@entrpy123]

They also toured for the Break Like the Wind album for the 10 year anniversary in 1993. I saw it in Philly and such a great concert.

[@cherdiane]

Great reaction to one of my favorite movies! It does sadden me a bit that younger reactors don't recognize that pretty much every actor in this film was a big name.

[@gmalcolms]

But for the most part they weren't big names when the film came out.

[@kenfreeman8888]

It was fun watching you enjoy this so much. A major amplifier company made amps with dials that went to 11 after this movie came out.

[@UTubeHandlesSuck]

Quantum was the amp company in question, and that was their entire ad campaign- "the amps that go to 11." 😁

[@jayweiser3168]

In case no one else mentioned it, the navy hat that Rob Reiner wears in Spinal Tap is hanging in the grandson's bedroom in Princess Bride (which Rob also directed). Mark Knopfler agreed to do the music for Princess Bride as long as Rob had a Spinal Tap reference in the movie - that was what he did.

[@zmarko]

One of my favorite comedies ever. And the music makes me become one with the band.

[@aTofuJunkie]

There is a 2008 movie called, "Anvil: The Story of Anvil", that is worth checking out. It is a rockumentary about Forgotten Canadian Heavy Metal band called "Anvil" who state they've released 20+ Albums in their 35+ year at the time and was popular for their music. What made it mocking in nature were their antics on stage, that they had grainy film footage of these antics that I cant say but is in the movie, but It was so ludicrous to hear, that they were considered a Mock Band compared to Spinal Tap. They are a pretty decent band too.

[@gwivongalois6169]

And they are big in Japan 🤘

[@Dormouse-tv7yh]

Hello Miranda! The British comedy series "The comic strip presents..." did a similar mockumentary, "Bad News Tour", at around the same time (just before I think). Any of the "The comic strip presents..." series is well worth a watch. British comedy at its finest.

[@guitarman8462]

" The Rutles " was shown on Saturday Night Live in 1978 and they all loved it. It got started by Eric Idle & help by George Harrison.

[@danielberg7644]

Best in Show! Its a great movie. It has all the actors from Spinal Tap too.

[@jeremyjones2702]

The DVD commentary track for this movie is somehow even funnier than the movie itself. They stay in character the entire time. It’s a must watch!

[@OppositeOfNinja]

This movie, along with Stand By Me, is why we have The Princess Bride. They were what proved to William Golding that Rob Reiner could balance drama with comedy, so said yes after years of refusal to all others

[@guitarman8462]

Soundgarden did a cover of " Big Bottoms ". Although many bands do their own cover on a Spinal Tap song.

[@screenwritingprofessor7346]

Also check out "The Rutles" by Eric Idle from Monty Python. The DVD of Spinal Tap has 1 1/2 hours of deleted scenes, which is like a second movie. Lots more jokes.

[@SolarTiger]

if anyone remembers from the 70s, the magazine "National Lampoon"...their manager IRL was one of the magazine's original staff of writers/editors Tony Hendra( he did Lemmings also)...loved that stuff!

[@MichaelKurse]

I saw a National Lampoon documentary, and yelled, Hey, That's Spinal Tap's manager!😆😆😆

[@camannwordsmith]

Best In Show is *phenomenal*

[@beyonderbill3409]

My favorite comedy ever. Incidentally, I was in Cleveland on Saturday night seeing The Rolling Stones in concert. After "Start Me Up", Mick said "HELLO CLEVELAND!" and then he made a joke that he just had to, referencing Spinal Tap. GREAT SHOW!

[@notjustforhackers4252]

I have a DVD release of this with a whole disk full of deleted scenes, essentially its another movie and just as hysterical. Spinal Tap is now a 'real' band, they've put out full albums and toured live. Saw them on the Pyramid stage Glastonbury a few years ago.

[@mightyV444]

I have that same edition and like some of those deleted scenes better than several from the actual movie! 😄

[@guitarman8462]

Another one you have you see is : - A MIGHTY WIND-. It has the same cast as SPINAL TAP & other extras.

[@pillmuncher67]

The chief mime ("Mime is money!") was played by Billy Crystal. The record label executive was played by Fran "The Nanny" Drescher. The bass player, Derek Smalls, was played by Harry Shearer, who voices various Simpson characters, among them Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, and of course, Mr. Burns. The actor who played Nigel Tufnel, Christopher Guest, was also the six-fingered Count Rugen in The Princess Bride. He was a member of the British House of Lords and has been married to Jamie Lee Curtis since 1984. Michael McKean, who played David St. Hubbins, also played the Witchfinder Sgt. Shadwell in Good Omens and Chuck McGill in Better Call Saul.

[@williamcarbajal383]

The other mime was Dana Carvey 😂

[@matthewhawkins517]

Paul Schafer was also in it.

[@pillmuncher67]

@@williamcarbajal383 Yes. Forgot that. I also forgot to mention that the drummer on "Gimme Some Money" was Ed Begley Jr.

[@pillmuncher67]

@@matthewhawkins517 Yes, he was the greasy promoter in the record store.

[@owen1213]

In one episode of the Nanny Fran Drescher plays her Spinal Tap role in the Bobbie Fleckman story.

[@pacificwhim]

Miranda, if you loved this, you need to react to "What We Do in the Shadows." Another mockumentary, completely improvised, and pants-wettingly funny.

[@toddhill7483]

Hilarious film.

[@metalrules1135]

Part of the genius of Big Bottom is everyone is playing bass. Musicians often refer to bass as the bottom end.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

What have fish got to do with fat girls?

[@BadWisdom523]

I’d like to recommend Best In Show - many of the same actors take their pets to a dog show. Not as funny (what could be?), but truly heartwarming

[@jack_rabbit]

the actor who was the 6 fingered man in the princess bride, christopher guest, is nigel aka "these go to 11" .... he also happens to be jamie lee curtis' long time husband. he is a fantastic performer AND director, and i HIGHLY recommend digging into his films. a mighty wind, best in show, waiting for guffman, for your consideration, almost heroes... all classics!

[@Rallarbusen]

And he's the doctor in "A few good men". Can't say I spotted him the first time I saw that movie.

[@dnish6673]

He’s also a British Lord.

[@carlesmacuaid]

You should check out some of Christopher Guest's other mockumentaries, especially Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, they're so good.

[@jeffmartin1026]

"Best In Show" needs to be on your must-watch list.

[@Mordraith]

"i don't know, what are the hours?" is my favorite line in the whole movie.

[@willcool713]

I saw them in concert on their Break Like the Wind tour.

[@rich6113]

You need to watch, "A Mighty Wind." It's set in the world of folk music, and Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer are in a band called the Folksmen. If I'm not mistaken, they've played shows in which they open for themselves... playing first in character as the Folksmen, then in character as Spinal Tap.

[@rosario508]

Hello Cleveland!!!! HELLO CLEVELAND!!!

[@saksit247]

Rock and Roll....Rock and Roll!!!

[@nicholashylton6857]

One of the best things in this movie is spotting the brief moments where the actors are struggling to keep in character after a brilliant improved joke that caught them off guard.

[@LordVolkov]

Another mockumentary you would enjoy - Drop Dead Gorgeous. It has an amazing cast (Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Amy Adams, and more) and is wildly underrated.

[@SonOfMuta]

In May 2022, director Rob Reiner announced that he is working on a sequel to the film, which will include him returning to play DiBergi, and McKean, Shearer, and Guest as the members of Spinal Tap. Filming started in February 2024.

[@gsparkman]

If you like Nigel (Christopher Guest) you should definitely see “Best In Show” - Another Christopher Guest mockumentary. Dog shows have never been as funny as this film.

[@hubjohnner]

Christopher Guest (Nigel), Michael McKean (David) & Harry Shearer (Derek) are real musicians and wrote the songs themselves. All the dialogue was improvised, no rehearsals This paved the way for several other films of this style. Satire, improvised dialogue, mostly from the mind of Guest

[@maxpayne232]

Soundgarden did a cover of "Big Bottom". It actually rocks !

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

Just hunted it down ... Yep, it doesn't disappoint!

[@steelers6titles]

Movie is loaded with insider references to the British Invasion. ST's drummer (one of several) is "Mick Shrimpton". For a while, Mick Jagger dated Chrissie Shrimpton, model Jean Shrimpton's sister. "Sir Denis Eaton-Hogg"--Sir Michael Lindsay-Hogg directed the Beatles' "Let It Be"; "Ian Faith"--early British rocker Adam Faith, and so on.