The greatest comedy of all time, according to Jack Black: “That’s the gold standard”
Jack Black has named Rob Reiner’s 1984 film *This Is Spinal Tap* the greatest comedy of all time, saying its influence changed comedy. He made the choice in a 2006 interview when asked about music comedies, but argued the film’s appeal goes far beyond that genre.
The mockumentary follows fictional British rock band Spinal Tap, played by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, as a filmmaker documents their album release and mishaps. Reiner planned set-pieces such as the miniature Stonehenge and an amplifier that goes up to eleven, while much of the dialogue was improvised; the film’s songs also draw on the cast’s musical ability.
In short
- Jack Black calls *This Is Spinal Tap* comedy’s gold standard.
- The 1984 mockumentary follows a fictional British rock band.
- Improvised dialogue and musical performances helped shape its humour.
Explained simply
This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 comedy directed by Rob Reiner. It follows Spinal Tap, a fictional British rock band played by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, as a camera crew records their album release and the problems that follow.
The film uses the style of a music documentary to make fun of rock bands and the people around them. Some scenes were planned, while much of the dialogue was improvised; the cast also performed the band’s songs.
Its blend of documentary-style filming, improvised comedy and music helped shape later comedies. The film is also known for scenes such as the band’s miniature Stonehenge and an amplifier whose volume control goes up to eleven.