Christopher Guest

Christopher Guest (A Mighty Wind, Best In Show)

Rob Reiner (This Is Spinal Tap)

Host: Freddy

Freddy's Take: This started out as my wanting to do a set of films that were all "mockumentary" style send ups of music. I had initially wanted to include "The Rutles" or "Bob Roberts" in this, but decided to go with Christopher Guest as my focus for the director, but I also wanted to show his main influence for making mockumentary films, "This Is Spinal Tap". This Is Spinal Tap is directed by Rob Reiner, but Guest is one of the lead characters, playing Nigel Tufnel, a character he has reprised quite a few times in his career for interviews and promotional events. This Is Spinal Tap influenced Guest in both style and writing. The seriousness which he demands out of the characters seems to give the films credibility. If you didn't know better and you watched any of these films, one could easily be fooled into thinking you were watching a real documentary. This Is Spinal Tap is the Rosetta Stone of mockumentary films, and Guest brings a great performance opposite Michael McKean and the understated but brilliant Harry Shearer. Best In Show is my favorite film Guest has directed. It hits on the humanity of the characters and how much they love their dogs, but also how much ego satisfaction they derive from their dogs being in a competition. A Mighty Wind is very Spinal Tap-esque, but focus' on folk music. Again, just like with the previous two films the egos of those involved is heightened and the seriousness with which the characters take themselves really adds to the flavor and fun of the film. 

Best In Show

A Mighty Wind

Spinal Tap

Spinal Tap: Trailer