The title alone of ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL alone should tell you how funny it is. Amazingly, this is not a mock documentary, like SPINAL TAP, this is the real deal, a documentary about a heavy metal rock band. The parallels to the fictional band are uncanny. Lead guitar "Lips" is very similar to Nigel Tufnel, they go to Stonehenge, they have an amp that goes to 11, and they have a completely screwed up tour. In fact, if you were to write a cliched movie about a band, this script hits every major point: the fallout between band members, the relationship that breaks up the band, the big chances suddenly appearing, and the predictable failures of a band full of people in their 50s trying be rock stars.
Every music student should see this film. I can't recommend this movie enough. It's not just one of the best documentaries I've seen in a while (it won the International Documentary Association award for best doc) it's one of the best films of the year. The film was not nominated for an Oscar, strangely, but the IDA award is just as important for docs. It's not an "issue" film like FOOD INC. or THE COVE, but it's a great film nonetheless. Of those three, I'd say FOOD INC. is probably the best-made film, but this film is great in its own way. The characters are very involving, full or real emotions. I can't believe how much they opened up for the film. Not only are they funny, they are very charming and sympathetic. You will really care about these people after only 90 minutes with them.
Please see this film.
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