If there’s one thing taken from life on this Earth, it’s that some people don’t get the opportunity for a big break. No matter how hard they try. Then there are those that get close, usually on more than one occasion, but just can’t finalise the dream. For one reason or another, the latter would best describe the story of Anvil, the 1980s band that influenced the heavy-metal sounds of Metallica and Motorhead. Never heard of them? Perhaps that’s because they could well be Canada’s unluckiest bunch. But the bitterness is minimal; Sacha Gervasi’s documentary reveals a soft side to a metal exterior.
The close relationship between best friends Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and Robb Reiner takes centre stage in Anvil! The Story of Anvil as cameras follow their every turn over the course of a year. There’s a lot to say about being in a band together for 30 years; their maturing wisdom is shown throughout the film as philosophical in nature. Lips contests his life can’t get any worse than working for a children’s catering company, while Robb turns to painting… for him, a poo in a toilet holds a deeper sense of meaning. Anvil! looks to be a mockumentary in the vein of This Is Spinal Tap, but the comedy comes from its very reality. The doco presents itself with the sombre realisation that fame eludes most who seek it, many of those with talent (as the band were labelled) – all the same, be prepared for 85 minutes of film that feels so painfully real because most of what happens to Lips and Anvil goes down the shit-hole. They arguably have one of history’s most unfortunate series of turns, but credit is due as they commit to every random opportunity that comes their way. As they embark on a European tour with very mixed results, the questions are asked if their time is up – but that theory’s not given the time of day. In Lips’ world, Anvil is at its peak in the new century.
Gervasi starts it strongly with footage of their most famous time and high opinions of the ‘demi-Gods of Canadian metal’ from figures such as Guns ‘N’ Roses’ Slash and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich… if these guys can rate them, then what the fuck happened? Lips notably points out he’s been wondering the same thing for the past 30 years. What fascinates is his determination to keep the dream alive – Anvil released 8 or 9 albums after they fell off the radar (and moved through various record deals). Gervasi, a former Anvil groupie, lets the story do the talking and rarely intrudes. Contrary to most docos which serve as observational features, Anvil! lets us in because of the amazingly funny characters – who are all so eccentric that at times the reality does escape you. Along with Lips, whose excitement exceeds everything, and Robb, who is Ying to Lips’ Yang, there’s Cut Loose and Mad Dog: two local groupies that make quite the impression with their musical renditions, and Italian manager Tiziana: so into the rock ‘n’ roll that she forgets to plan their transport properly. While a scuffle between Lips and management in a Prague nightclub highlights the sad urgency of Anvil’s troubles, this tribute is continuously funny and refuses to take itself seriously. Sadly, Anvil! isn’t set for a worldwide release (notably Japan); in a way bringing the band back to square one. They take comfort in the knowledge that there’ll always be the dream – but really, it’s all about the music.
Verdict:
Dynamic – the band’s rise after every setback is commendable, Gervasi’s directorial debut a triumph. Anvil! The Story of Anvil should be remembered alongside This Is Spinal Tap as one of the funniest musical features.
[Rating: 4.5/5]
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