| Cigarette Burns This month: Docufilms The idea of Documentary style comedies for me originated with Spinal Tap. This is a movie I saw when I was pretty young �cause it came out when I was five. Luckily, while watching another film, I came across the preview for Waiting for Guffman. This was a production from Christopher Guest, one of the members of Spinal Tap. After watching it, I was prompted to re-watch Spinal Tap. Then I realized how talented Christopher Guest is. Recently he has produced another film called Best in Show, which yet again emphasizes his talent. Spinal Tap released in 1982 is a documentary about an aging British rock band. We are led through the film by director Martin di Bergi (Rob Reiner). He takes the viewer through the life of the band while currently giving us not only interviews, but parts of the live shows, and all the drama that ensues backstage. The creative humor of Christopher Guest, Michael Mckean, and Harry Shearer, plus a cast of many recognizables, makes this documentary a real comedy. All at the same time, the entire movie satirizes pretty much all hair bands. Waiting For Guffman released in 1996 is a documentation of a small Missouri town�s sesquicentennial. Corky St. Clair (Christopher Guest) is a small time acting director putting on an original production of the history of Blane. In between scenes of the actors practicing their lines, and scenes of behind the scenes of the production, are small quips from the town folk in regards to the history of Blane. This film is even more mind boggling than it�s predecessor. It�s a must see. Best in Show released in 2000 is another movie by Christopher Guest. It documents the lives of many different dog owners who have entered their prized pooches in a competition. Like each of the other films, the substance of this movie focuses not just on the direct plot, but sub stories that come to the front by the end of the film. The cast consists of many of the same players from Waiting For Guffman, and Michael Mckean from Spinal Tap. back to table of contents |