As per the Beagle’s missive this morning, here’s my nomination for favorite cult film: This Is Spinal Tap.

 

Credited with being the first so-called mockumentary, it is a vitally important film for anyone serious about marketing. (It is, after all, about the music business.)

 

A mere 82 minutes long, it has grossed a mere $4.8 million since its release in 1984. (A 4.5 hour bootleg version of the film circulates amongst collectors.) So, it definitely qualifies for cult status.

 

Despite its cult-ness, it is deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress. As such, it was selected in 2002 for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

 

My mother hated it. I suspect my brother did as well, but then he has had a succession of bands that look vaguely like Spinal Tap.

 

Cheers,

 

-Blaine Parker