2008 | U.S. | 82 minutes
Director: Sacha Gervasi
Cast: Steve “Lips” Kudlow, Robb Reiner
Distributed by: VH1 Films
Cdn video distributor: VH1 Classics
“Everything on the tour went drastically wrong. But at least there was a tour for it to go wrong on.” says Steve “Lips” Kudlow, leader of Anvil. How many people do you know who are this optimistic?
Anvil! The Story of Anvil follows the real-life struggle of a Toronto-based metal band as they try to recapture the fame that eluded them 25 years ago. While others of their ilk went on to sell millions of records, Anvil faded into obscurity. So what happened?
Wisely, the film doesn’t attempt an explanation. It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s more concerned with peering into Kudrow’s life who — now in his 50s — is still chasing a childhood dream.
Kudrow’s ambition is not a solo effort, of course. His friends and family have all made sacrifices for him. Careers have been passed-up. Money lent. Relationships strained. But time and resources are running out, and everyone is starting to show signs of weariness — and he knows it.
At one point he admits that, if something doesn’t happen soon, he’s contemplating “jumping off a cliff.” Robb Reiner, his best friend and drummer, interjects with “You won’t jump off a cliff, because I’ll stop you.” Kudlow knows he’s not lying. It’s enough to make a man cry, and he does.
What is most apparent is that Kudlow is still a young boy at heart who just wants to entertain people. He’s still an avid metal fan too. He can barely contain his glee when he gets to rub shoulders with some of his idols at a music festival. He gushes with a youthful enthusiasm that often embarrasses the fellow rockers he fawns over. Only JJ French of Twisted Sister is seen returning the love that’s thrown at him. This sweetness about Kudlow prevails throughout the entire film. Even when he loses his cool.
There’s a particularly intense moment when he lashes out at Robb, prompting his buddy to walk away and quit. They’ve been friends for nearly 40 years, and it looks like it’s finally over. But Kudlow quickly apologizes, in a scene that eventually dissolves into hugs and tears. He blames his outburst on emotional stress; that constant struggle to make success happen, and the endless fear their efforts will fail once more. But this is not news to anyone, including the viewer. Whether or not its articulated, we feel it in every scene. In time one can’t help praying for at least one moment of triumph. Will these guys ever get a break?
The film teases us with possibilities. The first happens when they get a chance to tour Europe. It degenerates into disaster that is both tragic and comical, not unlike the fictional equivalent in This is Spinal Tap. The irony of this connection is not lost on the band members either, as when they walk down a long stage corridor in Sweden and one of them yells “Hello Cleveland!”
Next, they get a call from the producer who helped make their earlier albums a success. He likes their demos, and agrees to record their new album. But it’s going to cost money. Kudlow gets a loan from his sister to pay for the sessions but, once completed, they still have to convince a record label to distribute it. It does not go well.
In the end there is a moment of triumph. It’s so unexpected — so wonderful — it’s hard to imagine it’s actually happening. Success for Anvil is finally at hand.
The biggest success of all, though, is the movie itself. It’s not only expertly shot and edited, but director Sacha Gervasi has cleverly fashioned a document full of suffering, yet tempered with a comedic eye and a lot of love. It’s not only the best new release of this week, it’s one of the most uplifting film in years. It’s like a heavy-metal version of It’s a Wonderful Life.
It’s worth noting the film never gives us a full taste of what Anvil sounds like, but we do get some interesting testimonials. Rock legends such as Slash thinks they’re great. Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich agrees. So does Lemmy of Motörhead. The guys from Anthrax and Slayer chime in too. They all confess that Anvil was a major source of inspiration for them. Now, thanks to this movie, there’s new inspiration that persistence and dedication can pay off.
Final thought: This film is sure to be nominated for Best Documentary Feature at next year’s Oscars. It should be fun to see what Robb and “Lips” will wear.
- Theatrical release date: April 10, 2009 (premiered January 18, 2008, Sundance Film Festival
- Video release date: October 6, 2009
- Production Budget: n/a
- Worldwide Box Office: $886,746
FUN ALTERNATIVES: There’s another terrific documentary that follows the efforts of a man trying to realize an artistic dream. His name is Mark Borchardt, and he’s the subject of American Movie. His hope is to be a horror filmmaker. The difference here, though, is that Mark is clearly not very bright nor talented. He also lacks the kind heart and loving father persona that makes Kudrow such an appealing character. There are some thoughtful bits, as when Mark describes a poignant moment he once had when cleaning a toilet stall, but mostly the film aims to emphasize his ineptness and stupidity. It’s all designed to make us laugh, but it doesn’t inspire much goodwill for his success.
Your best bet is This is Spinal Tap, about a fictional heavy metal band who are trying to resurrect their former glory. It’s not so much a fun alternative as it is a perfect companion film. The parallels between their story, and the real-life Anvil, is spooky. It’s also immensely funny. Unless you’re a musician.
Every rocker I ever met admits loving the film but, at one time or another, they all lived the hardships Spinal Tap endures. It’s too painful for them to truly enjoy. It’s like slapstick comedy in a way. It’s funny to watch someone else slip on a banana peel. It’s not funny when it’s happened to you.