This Is Spinal Tap

Ethan de Seife

November, 2007
Paper, 144 pages,
ISBN: 978-1-905674-49-7
Wallflower Press
$15.00

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.

Related Subjects

• Cultural Studies
• Film

Series

• Cultographies

About the Author

Ethan de Seife received his Ph.D. in film studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is currently working on a book about Frank Tashlin. He also plays stand-up bass in the Kansas City-based combo Four Jacks and a Jill.

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