Anvil: The Story of Anvil begins “in the day” as they say, when Heavy Metal music emerged and bands like Scorpians, White Snake and Metalica roamed the planet along with Anvil. This well made documentary opens with scenes of Anvil performing a the Super Rock Festival in Japan in 1984 in front of thousands of head bobbing, arm waving fans. According to the opening scene these bands all went on to sell millions of Albums, all except Anvil. Even though Lars Ullrich of Metalica, “thought they were cool,” and Anthax’s Scott Ian said, “they were and inspiration.” Anvil’s, Metal On Metal album is considered to have established the basic formula for Heavy Metal Rock and Roll. They were musicians, musicians in that world. They opened for Bon-Jovi. Anvil put out a dozen albums but never became a household name.
Anvil: The Story of Anvil, directed by Sasha Gervasi, tells the story of of Steve Kudlow (a.k.a) “Lips,” vocal and lead guitar and Robb Reiner, drums who for thirty plus years have struggled doing menial jobs to keep the notion of Anvil alive. The story moves to present day in Toronto where Steve and Robb reside with their respective families. Steve keeps things going with a job delivering meals to schools. Robb does construction work. Steve is interviewed on the job as he drives along snowy roads. Robb is interviewed at his home. There is a scene of the band performing at a local bar to local, middle aged, head bobbing, arm swinging fans who all seem to know the lyrics to the songs being performed. It’s “Lips” fiftieth birthday.
Things begin to look up when Anvil is booked for a 40 day European tour by inexperienced promoter Tiziana Arrigoni. The band goes on tour performing in numerous countries hoping that someone, somewhere might offer them a recording contract. Instead they endure hardships and problems including arriving late to club in Prague. They perform but the owner refuses to pay them because they were late. The final stop on the tour is in Transylvania! They come home without making any real money and no prospects.
Despite the, never quite made it status of the band, Anvil: The Story of Anvil is not a story about musicians past their prime, looking for another fifteen minutes of fame. This documentary appears to be more about two men pursuing a dream that continuously eludes them. The talent, passion and motivation is there but somehow Anvil never attains “Rock Star” fame and fortune. The struggle is a way of life for Steve and Robb. The film explores the issues surrounding the rock groups history and present status. The question comes to mind; are those moments performing for an audience worth the trials it takes to get make them happen? This documentary subtly explores the artist’s passion and drive to continue to communicate with an audience; the two way street of performance and applause.
Anvil: The story of Anvil weaves archival footage, interviews, current performances and the life style of the members of Anvil into a warm human story that both entertains and informs. To some Steve and Robb may appear as lovable guys who just can’t seem to make it. To others there is a cautionary tale of the short life of many bands. To the middle aged viewer, whatever their vocation, there may be a bitter sweet wave of reflection on their own struggles and careers.
You will be pulled into this fast paced, sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic documentary film as participant in the world of Anvil, from a their point-of-view. You can laugh with them or occasionally at them, but you won’t forget Anvil: The Story of Anvil.
J R MARTIN
TRAILER ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL
Tags: Anvil, Documentary Film Review, heavy metal bands, Metal On Metal
