This Is Spinal Tap

Content Warnings

Overall Severity: 🟑 65/100
Total warning time: 4m 30s
Sex/Nudity: 🟑 50/100 (1m 20s)
  • 🟑 40/100 [00:15:30 - 00:16:00] Brief discussion about groupies and sexual encounters.
  • 🟑 60/100 [00:45:20 - 00:46:10] Suggestive lyrics and movements during a performance.
Drug Use: πŸ”΄ 70/100 (1m 30s)
  • πŸ”΄ 70/100 [00:20:15 - 00:21:00] Characters smoking marijuana.
  • 🟑 60/100 [01:05:45 - 01:06:30] References to drug use and partying.
Violence: 🟑 30/100 (50s)
  • 🟒 20/100 [00:35:10 - 00:35:30] Mock stage accident with no real harm.
  • 🟑 40/100 [01:10:20 - 01:10:50] Band members arguing, but no physical violence.
Strong Language: πŸ”΄ 80/100 (50s)
  • 🟑 50/100 [00:10:05 - 00:10:15] Use of the word 'ass'.
  • πŸ”΄ 90/100 [00:30:40 - 00:31:00] Multiple instances of 'fuck' and other profanities.
  • πŸ”΄ 80/100 [01:15:10 - 01:15:30] Additional strong language during an argument.
This Is Spinal Tap
Year: 1984
Certificate: R
Runtime: 82 min
Genre: Comedy, Music
IMDB: 7.9
Meta Score: 92
Votes: 128812
Gross: 188,751
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Overview: Spinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.

Movie FAQ

Q: What is the premise of the movie 'This Is Spinal Tap'?
A: 'This Is Spinal Tap' is a mockumentary that follows the fictional British rock band Spinal Tap on their U.S. tour. The film humorously depicts the band's struggles with fame, declining popularity, and various absurd mishaps on the road.
Q: Who directed 'This Is Spinal Tap' and what is his role in the film?
A: Rob Reiner directed 'This Is Spinal Tap' and also stars in the film as Marty DiBergi, the fictional documentary filmmaker who follows Spinal Tap on their tour.
Q: Who are the main actors portraying the members of Spinal Tap?
A: The main actors portraying Spinal Tap are Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins (lead vocals and guitar), Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel (lead guitar), and Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls (bass). Kimberly Stringer also appears as Jeanine Pettibone, David's girlfriend.
Q: What is the significance of the amplifier that goes up to 11 in 'This Is Spinal Tap'?
A: The amplifier that goes up to 11 is one of the most famous gags in the film. It symbolizes the band's over-the-top approach to rock music, as Nigel Tufnel explains that their amps are louder because the dial goes one higher than the standard 10.
Q: Is 'This Is Spinal Tap' based on a real band?
A: No, Spinal Tap is a fictional band created for the movie. However, the film's humor and situations are inspired by real-life rock bands and the excesses of the music industry, making it a spot-on parody of rock documentaries.