This interview (with Rob Reiner) goes to 11

·53 min·5 clips

Rob Reiner pioneered the mockumentary with This Is Spinal Tap, and his new sequel explores how bands stay together after 15 years apart.

The episode begins with host Elvis Mitchell introducing Rob Reiner as the director who pioneered the mockumentary genre with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984. Mitchell notes Reiner's consistent film output and thematic focus on relationships staying together, rather than just beginning. Reiner confirms this theme, explaining that Spinal Tap 2 explores the bond between band members Nigel and David after 15 years apart, inspired by real-life band reunions and viral moments like Kate Bush's resurgence. He connects this to his personal life, sharing that his parents were married for 65 years, and his mother's advice was to find someone who can stand you. Reiner delves into music's role in his films, recounting how Eric Clapton scored The Story of Us but deferred to Mason Williams' 'Classical Gas' for a montage. He also describes Mark Knopfler's condition for scoring The Princess Bride: including a Spinal Tap hat in the film. Reiner discusses the song 'Stand By Me,' which he used to retitle Stephen King's The Body, leading to the song recharting at number one. After a break, Reiner elaborates on the fictional director Marty DeBerge's backstory, including his film school rejections and failed sequel Kramer vs. Kramer vs. Godzilla. He reflects on the improvisational style of This Is Spinal Tap, rooted in his background with The Committee improv group. Reiner highlights the musical authenticity in Spinal Tap, with actors playing all instruments live, and notes Elton John's praise for their musicianship. He recalls Sting's emotional reaction to the first film and his own experiences in 1960s music culture. The episode concludes with Reiner emphasizing the balance between satire and reverence in his work, as Mitchell thanks him for the conversation.

As heard by us

Rob Reiner finds the romance inside Spinal Tap's satire, then lets the bass carry the joke.

Rob Reiner's conversation with Elvis Mitchell gets at the feeling underneath This Is Spinal Tap and Spinal Tap 2, The End Continues: a band story about staying together while the music remains gloriously stuck in its own pose.

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Why you'd press play

You get Spinal Tap treated as romantic comedy, plus a precise delight in why Big Bottom is more than one bass joke.

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