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Anvil! The Story Of Anvil (Film)

by Paul Southwell | September 08, 2009 15:28 | Edited September 08, 2009 15:29

A spectacular documentary that displays the camaraderie and passion these two musicians feel for their music in the face of continued rejection.

Canada's metal pioneers, Anvil, somehow sported bondage gear and lewd lyrics better than most, and unlike Venom and Wasp, the core duo of drummer Robb Reiner and guitarist frontman Steve "Lips" Kudlow stayed together throughout the turmoil.

 

Dubbed the "real life Spinal Tap", the documentary Anvil! The Story Of Anvil sees director and one time roadie Sacha Gervasi portraying the metal-obsessed offspring of Jewish immigrant parents with respect, whilst gleefully throwing in numerous "mockumentary" cross references.

 

The film has played film festivals all over the world, garnering praise from metal stars, punk rock icons, actors and renowned directors alike.

 

The protagonists take their band's demise in the face of peer success philosophically, viewing music as a therapeutic outlet, albeit with a hint of bitterness. The band's substantial back catalogue is listed in almost throwaway style, yet many cameos reinforce their legacy. The doco follows their shambolic European tour, which is booked by a somewhat inexperienced manager, and ultimately lands in the frighteningly non-regimented world of dodgy Eastern European venues and club managers. Thus, the backstage footage of reminiscences soon plummets into demoralising situations that Poland, Germany and Romania might want to hide for fear of hurting their tourism industries. Starkly honest, happier moments, however, eventually ensue as a family marriage reception allows the band to perform in front of some dumbfounded guests.

 

Anvil's uncontrived, naive optimism goes from bizarre to touching. Even with dummy spits and emotional outbursts, the surreal inclusion of a visit to Stonehenge pays off with warmth and classic humour. The insights into the logistics and machinations of the "lottery of rock'n'roll" is also intriguing.

 

Anvil may be incurable adolescents, but the film is ultimately about the true value of lifelong relationships. Now road hardened, this incredibly entertaining documentary flattens corporate rock with brutal truths laced in humour.