Peter Smokeler, the camera operator behind the iconic rock documentary “Gimme Shelter,” was taken aback when director Rob Reiner brought him on board to film “This Is Spinal Tap,” a mockumentary from 1984 that humorously portrayed heavy metal bands.
Despite his extensive background in rock documentaries, Smokeler found the situation baffling, as the bands featured in the film felt all too authentic. In Reiner’s book, “The Subtle Lines of Idiots and the Sage: The Story of Spinal Tap,” he reflects on how Smokeler initially struggled to understand the purpose of their filming. At one point, Smokeler expressed his confusion, saying it felt no different from the documentary work he had done before.
Although it initially performed poorly at the box office, “This Is Spinal Tap” eventually gained a cult following. It pioneered the mockumentary style seen in later shows like “The Office,” and contributed memorable phrases like “These go to eleven” to popular culture, becoming a staple on tour buses for rock bands everywhere.
Some rock stars related quite personally to the film’s portrayal. Ozzy Osbourne remarked that it felt so real to him that he wasn’t laughing. Meanwhile, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith mentioned that the film hit close to home, questioning its intended humor because, in his eyes, it was all too true.
The sentiments from these artists weren’t without merit. “This Is Spinal Tap” has since been regarded as a classic film, and a sequel, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” is set to hit theaters on September 12. Many iconic moments were inspired by real-life events from the rock world.
One memorable incident recounted in the film took place at Matt Umanov Guitar in Greenwich Village, where a famous British rock star caused quite a scene, inadvertently influencing a comedic moment. The awkward scene of Harry Shearer’s character removing a foil-wrapped zucchini at airport security draws from this true story.
Shearer, along with other cast members, drew on their experiences in the comedy circuit, including mishaps during a disastrous show that prompted an over-the-top apology from a promotional guy. These types of real-life encounters brought a layer of authenticity to the film’s humor.
Even pivotal characters, like Fran Drescher’s Bobby Fleckman, were based on real industry figures, showing how the filmmakers weaved personal experiences into the narrative. Their aim was to capture the absurdity of rock culture, drawing from outrageous tour stories and backstage realities.
Some of the film’s most humorous scenes originated from the notorious story involving Van Halen’s insistence on having no brown M&Ms backstage. Other moments were influenced by the real-life struggles of bands facing declining popularity, mirroring Uriah Heep’s experience of performing in smaller venues.
Additionally, a scene depicting radio interference during a performance was inspired by a theatrical production incident, where taxi calls unexpectedly disrupted actors, blending the ridiculous with a touch of reality.
Ultimately, “This Is Spinal Tap” has left its mark; it was even honored in the Library of Congress’s national film registry. Musicians like Slash from Guns N’ Roses have expressed appreciation for the film, noting its charm, encapsulated in humorous moments that resonate across generations.
