Mockumentary 'This Is Spinal Tap' at the Majestic Nov. 13

CONWAY — The 1984 American mockumentary comedy film, "This Is Spinal Tap," appears on the big screen at the Majestic Theatre on Friday at 7 p.m. The film was directed by Rob Reiner in his feature directorial debut. The film follows Marty Dibergi (Reiner), a documentary filmmaker, chronicling the ill-fated U.S. comeback tour of a fictional aging British heavy metal band. The movie features Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel (lead guitarist), Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins (lead vocalist/guitarist) and Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls (bass player). Director Rob Reiner and his cast treat the completely fictional, absurd characters with the deadpan seriousness of a real documentary.

The film satirized the ego, absurdities, and misfortunes of 1970s and 1980s rock culture. It pioneered the modern mockumentary genre and popularized cultural staples like guitar amplifiers that “go to 11”. The actors have been highly praised for their largely improvised performances. Film critic Roger Ebert, famously hailed the film as one of the funniest, most intelligent and original films of the year.