Mediation Document: This Is Spinal TapThis Is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary that simultaneously depicts and parodies the lives of rock stars, capturing performances (both on and off stage) of the rock group made for the cinema, Spinal Tap. The invented band is an over-the-top attempt to recreate a generic hard rock band that would generally fit the '70s through '80s, and it seems to succeed very well. The band's leaders have distinct snobbish/stupid personalities like most bands who took themselves too seriously at the time. The members look and act like rock stars and run into problems that artists might also encounter. Throughout the film, entire songs, costumes and sets are generated to make the band seem even more real. This Is Spinal Tap covers the band on tour in the US and profiles them as any rock documentary would. Interviews and concert performances are stitched together in a mostly linear fashion during the band's backstage discussions and preparations. Everything in this artificial world must seem real; because the humor in spoofing something can be observed mostly in its tragic accuracy. There is a lot to learn from this film. Although completely fictional, the extraordinary accuracy of This Is Spinal Tap tells us a lot about the wrong aspects of a rock star's life and the actions of the big music industries. However, the fact remains that what is depicted in This Is Spinal Tap is a reality for many artists, companies and audiences who surround themselves with popular rock music. More importantly, it matters because it affects everyone involved in the demand for this form of entertainment. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you, but the life of a roc... half of paper. .....an article by Rae that "filmmakers are in the business of filmmaking, not in the business of social change." Although we are talking specifically about movies, any entertainment medium could still apply to this statement. This production cycle is unhealthy, but if the process works, why fix it? What can we learn from This Is Spinal Tap? Although it is a comedy, it teaches us a lot about the ridiculous nature of rock and roll. Bands similarly live in their own world and set everything they do, from their behavior to their performances, away from the basic tendencies of flashy hard rock music. The public will eat it up and the industry will feed on it. Commercial success can be toxic to a band and, if anything, can overwhelm the integrity of the music. The film is intended to be a comedy, but it certainly highlights many issues related to the world of music. View as download page