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Table of Contents
About The Book
‘One of the best making-of books to hit the shelves’ Booklist
For the first time, the director and co-creators of This is Spinal Tap provide the full behind-the-scenes story of the making of the groundbreaking mockumentary.
Since its original release in 1984, This Is Spinal Tap has evolved from a beloved cult film into an all-time comedy classic. It pioneered the mockumentary genre and is one of the most quoted movies. Now, Reiner, Guest, McKean, and Shearer share clever and stupid tales of their famous collaboration – how the fictional band Spinal Tap came to be and how their low-budget indie film took on an unexpected life of its own.
Featuring never-before-seen photographs, band memorabilia and personal reminiscences of their enduring creative partnership, A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever will delight Tap heads of all ages.
‘The book is frequently laugh-out-loud funny . . . Delightful' Film Juice
For the first time, the director and co-creators of This is Spinal Tap provide the full behind-the-scenes story of the making of the groundbreaking mockumentary.
Since its original release in 1984, This Is Spinal Tap has evolved from a beloved cult film into an all-time comedy classic. It pioneered the mockumentary genre and is one of the most quoted movies. Now, Reiner, Guest, McKean, and Shearer share clever and stupid tales of their famous collaboration – how the fictional band Spinal Tap came to be and how their low-budget indie film took on an unexpected life of its own.
Featuring never-before-seen photographs, band memorabilia and personal reminiscences of their enduring creative partnership, A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever will delight Tap heads of all ages.
‘The book is frequently laugh-out-loud funny . . . Delightful' Film Juice
About The Author
© Romy Reiner
Rob Reiner, a two-time Emmy-winning actor for his role in the landmark television series, All in the Family, was the acclaimed director of This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, A Few Good Men, The American President, Ghosts of Mississippi, and The Bucket List. He also directed the Emmy-nominated documentary Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, and the sequel to This Is Spinal Tap. As a dedicated political activist, he spearheaded a tobacco tax initiative in California to fund early childhood development and chaired the state commission to oversee its implementation. In 2008, he cofounded The American Foundation for Equal Rights, which paved the way for marriage equality nationwide.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (September 9, 2025)
- Length: 288 pages
- ISBN13: 9781398549333
Raves and Reviews
'One of the best making-of books to hit the shelves'
– Booklist
‘A fun read . . . The book celebrates the film’s enduring charm and cult status, with warmth and humour reflecting the spirit of the movie itself. A worthwhile companion for fans who want to dive deeper into the making of this comedy classic, and prepare themselves to reunite with the band on the big screen ... The book is frequently laugh-out-loud funny – not just in the retelling of some of the film’s best moments, but in anecdotes from fans and amusing asides from Reiner that offer some wonderful insight into the film . . . Delightful'
– Film Juice
‘An oral history of the UK’s loudest band’
– Big Issue
'This book doth rock'
– Kirkus Reviews
Resources and Downloads
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