Posted by Larry Gleeson
Jack Black announces today’s AFI Movie Club selection: THIS IS SPINAL TAP. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner, the film is ranked #29 on AFI’s list of the all-time greatest comedies!
Watch Carl Reiner and Billy Crystal talk about their favorite scenes from THIS IS SPINAL TAP.
INTERESTING FACTS: The film features cameos by comedians Billy Crystal and Dana Carvey as mimes, and the film has its own IMDb rating scale to reflect Nigel Tufnel’s famous quote that the amps “go to 11.”
THIS IS SPINAL TAP is Rob Reiner’s first feature film as a director.
The film features cameos by comedians Billy Crystal and Dana Carvey as mimes. The film has its own IMDb rating scale to reflect Nigel Tufnel’s famous quote that the amps “go to 11.”
The three leads play their own instruments and do their own singing in the film.
Penelope Spheeris was originally asked to direct THIS IS SPINAL TAP. She ultimately turned it down but did go on to direct the documentary rock trilogy THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION.
The movie doesn’t end at the credits. Engage with your family, friends, and others like you who love movies. Check out the AFI Movie Club Discussion Questions for this movie and post your responses in the comment section!
What were the most laugh-out-loud moments of the movie? What were the most outrageous scenes of rock and roll excess?
-Which Spinal Tap band member do you like the most?
-Which real-life British rock stars do you think might have inspired the filmmakers?
-What did you think of the characters’ ad-libbing throughout? Could you tell me that the film wasn’t scripted?
-THIS IS SPINAL TAP marked the first of several mockumentaries created by Christopher Guest. Do you have a personal favorite?
-Why do you think THIS IS SPINAL TAP has achieved cult status?
-How would you rate THIS IS SPINAL TAP?
I hope the AFI Movie Club brings some inspiration and entertainment during this uncertain time when we are reminded “There’s no place like home.” AFI has created a global, virtual gathering of those who love the movies where each day’s film – announced by a special guest – is accompanied by fun facts, family-friendly discussion points and material from the AFI Archive to bring the viewing experience to life. As a non-profit, AFI Movie Club is a member-powered organization, dependent upon the support of its movie fans. To support AFI Movie Club please consider becoming a member or donating.
About AFI Movie Club
AFI Movie Club is a newly launched free program to raise the nation’s spirits by bringing artists and audiences together – even while we are apart. AFI will shine a spotlight on an iconic movie each day, with special guests announcing select AFI Movies of the Day in short videos posted on AFI.com and social media platforms. Audiences can “gather” at AFI.com/MovieClub to find out how to watch the featured movie of the day with the use of their preexisting streaming service credentials. The daily film selections will be supported by fun facts, family discussion points and exclusive material from the AFI Archive to enrich the viewing experience. Audiences can continue the conversation online using the hashtag #AFIMovieClub. Learn more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/
