Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: This is Spinal Tap 1984

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To celebrate the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Medieval to Metal exhibition, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is screening three iconic rock films in our historic Minerva Theatre.

Clear your palette of the recent serving of slick music documentaries with quintessential films of the ‘direct cinema’ genre.

Cult mockumentary This is Spinal Tap (Rob Reiner, 1984), which parodies its direct cinema predecessors in a film Dave Grohl dubbed “the only rock movie worth watching.”

In 1982, the legendary English heavy metal band Spinal Tap attempt an American comeback tour accompanied by a fan who is also a film-maker. The resulting documentary, interspersed with powerful performances of Tap’s pivotal music and profound lyrics, candidly follows a rock group heading towards crisis, culminating in the infamous affair of the eighteen-inch-high Stonehenge stage prop.

This film is being staged in conjunction with the Art Gallery of Ballarat Exhibition, Medieval to Metal: The art & evolution of the guitar. On display through until 2 February.

Director: Rob Reiner, 1984 (1hr 22m).

Content: The Ballaarat Mechanics Institute

Accessibility Information

  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

  • Wed 15 Jan

7pm–11pm

Ballarat Mechanics Institute

117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350

Get Directions

$10 - $35

Tickets $10 BMI members & Ballarat Film Society members ($30 Season Pass). Plus booking fee.

$15 general admittance ($35 Season Pass). Plus booking fee.


Book Now

Accessibility Information

  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

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We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.

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© 2023 Ballarat In The Know. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.