In 1984, a film premiered that would bring the mockumentary format into the mainstream. Parodying music documentaries[1] such as The Song Remains the Same (1976) and The Last Waltz (1978), it would go on to be a massive cult classic, inspiring such shows as The Office[2], Parks and Recreation[3], and Modern Family. This film was called This is Spinal Tap, a fake documentary following a band struggling to stay together amidst the trials and tribulations of musical success in the early 1980s. One challenge they continue to face: All of their drummers end up dead under hilariously mysterious circumstances. For decades, fans have yearned for a follow-up film. And finally, 41 years later, we have the long-awaiting sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues[4].
To promote the film, the stars and creators of the film — Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), and Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) — conducted interviews entirely in character. And Mashable Executive Producer Mark Stetson took this as an opportunity to parody their parody, making a mockumentary of his own.
This short film follows “documentarian” Mark St. Etson, whose father died like so many Spinal Tap-inspired drummers before him — by spontaneously combusting. So Mark confronts the band about taking responsibility for their now-12 dead drummers. Does Mark find the peace he is looking for from the band?
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is now in theaters.[5]
Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google[6].
References
- ^ music documentaries (mashable.com)
- ^ The Office (mashable.com)
- ^ Parks and Recreation (mashable.com)
- ^ Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (mashable.com)
- ^ (opens in a new window) (zdcs.link)
- ^ Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google (www.google.com)
- ^ Film (mashable.com)
- ^ Streaming (mashable.com)