Remembering Reiner, 'This is Spinal Tap'

In 1984, Rob Reiner directed his first film with "This is Spinal Tap." The movie is what is commonly referred to, now, as a "mockumentary," as it follows the tour of a fading English rock band. Reiner not only directed the film, but played the role of the film director, asking the band questions about their past and present. In the film, the band had its share of tragedies, such as having a number of its drummers die in bizarre ways. When describing one drummer's odd demise, one of the band members puts it in perspective. "You know," he said, "dozens of people spontaneously combust every year." There also was a famous scene where the band was ready to take the stage for a show, but got lost on the way there. Spinal Tap was played by three American comic actors: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. The three were completely committed to the roles of self-important rockers who talked a lot but had nothing to say. They wrote the songs. They played the instruments. They became Spinal Tap. It was a parody of not only rock bands, but the rock band documentaries that had become popular in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. When you watch "This is Spinal Tap," you realize the characters don't come across that differently from rockers in serious documentaries, like "The Last Waltz" and "The Beatles Anthology." The film was a major success — it got great reviews and was done so well that some viewers had to be reminded that Spinal Tap was not an actual band. The movie also launched Reiner as a director. As the son of comic legend Carl, Rob was best known before the film for his portrayal of Michael "Meathead" Stivic on the television show "All in the Family." But after the success of Spinal Tap, Reiner became a sought after film director. He did "The Princess Bride," When Harry Met Sally," "Misery" and "A Few Good Men." It is something to look at that list of films, and recognize how different they all are from each other. Reiner could do comedies, he could do fantasy films, he could even do horror. And, he did the mockumentary. Reiner also did a good deal of acting, usually smaller roles. He had an excellent sense of comedic timing. In Nora Ephron's "Sleepless in Seattle," a woman who had been annoying Reiner and Tom Hanks' characters tells them how nice it is to hear a man express his feelings. "Wish I could express MY feelings," Reiner deadpanned. Reiner was a special talent. He also was still active, directing a sequel to Spinal Tap just this year. Sadly, his life ended in terrible tragedy. He and his wife, Michele Singer, were murdered in their home Sunday. His son has been charged with the murder. It's something that's hard to believe. Reiner's films and his place in our culture will remain. Films like "This is Spinal Tap" and "The Princess Bride" will continue to find new audiences, and gain more appreciation. He will be remembered. Zach Baker is sports editor of The Courier.