The Making of '...And God Spoke'

No, this is not Spinal Tap. It is similar in the sense that it is a "mockumentary" but has it's own merits. For anyone who loves movies and knows even a little bit about the process of putting one together, "And God Spoke" should make you laugh quite hard. It's also a perfect example of how NOT to make a movie. You know it's funny when these guys try to make this inspiring bible epic and no one has a bible on set. A certain product placement scene is one of the most funny movie moments of the last 10 years. Plus, there's nothing like watching the director's face when he realizes the Ark constructed for the film is too big to fit through the stage doors. Trust me, if you're fortunate enough to come across this in a video store, rent it!

Today I tried watching a mockumentary about a cheesy production of a fake film. However, "Guns of the Clackamas" simply wasn't funny though I was hoping it was an other "...And God Spoke". In fact, in my review, I complained about this--and strongly recommended people see the earlier film, "...And God Spoke". Imagine my surprise, then, when I checked and saw that I had never reviewed this 1993 film! This is surprising, as I loved the film and strongly recommend it to anyone who loves Christopher Guest's mockumentaries. Now "...And God Spoke" is not as sophisticated and hip as the Guest films (especially "Best in Show"), but there is a wonderful cheesiness that is quite endearing.

This film is a fake documentary in which a porno production company wants to make a 'quality film'. So, they naturally picked the most prestigious sort of film--a Biblical epic!! The resulting film is in terrible taste and looks a lot like a porno-Biblical film! But what makes it even funnier are all the behind the scenes bits--such as the appearance of Eve Plumb in the film and her resulting lawsuit as well as seeing Soupy Sales as Moses! It's all real and goofy--and strikes a wonderful balance between looking crappy yet being entertaining and insightful.

By the way, because of the subject matter, this film might offend the easily offended. Think twice about showing this film to young kids or your mother-in-law!

I saw this film in a theater and wasn't expecting much. It turned out to be one of the funniest films of the 90's and by the time the Nude Ninjas appeared, I was already on the floor.

"...And God Spoke" is really one of the funniest parodies of the motion picture industry ever. A former b-film director and his egotistical, sleaze-ball producer decide to adapt the entire Bible into a lavish epic because of its popularity, despite the fact that they vaguely know how many disciples Jesus had and have to rely on product placements from Coke for extra funding. Not to spoil it, but the film they eventually make turns out as a kind of blasphemous Rocky Horror Picture Show that you have to see to believe.

Andy Dick as Abel and Lou Ferrigno as Cain are hysterical. Dick: "I get killed?!?" As a film maker and former Catholic schoolboy I found it all too hysterical though it may help to know something about the Bible and the film industry to get the most mileage out of it.

Speaking of Spinal Tap, I hated that film. Christopher Guest's humour is way too gentle for my tastes and I've never been a big Rob Reiner fan either. This film and "Fear of A Black Hat" are my two favorite mockumentaries of all time.

I really like this movie, I'll throw it in the VCR whenever I need some background noise I can enjoy. I am upset by the number of people who are wasting their time comparing this movie to This Is... Spinal Tap. Spinal Tap HAD money behind it, had very good writers, established talent and a great source of material to draw from: the music/entertainment industry and its history. And God Spoke is NOT hilarious but it does require some knowledge of the movie making process. If you have never made a movie, even a 30 second short, then you may not find most of this movie funny. It isn't anything really revealing, just a bunch of exaggerated in-jokes. If anything, this movie is a poke at movie making and itself.

This movie is hard to come by, but in the event that it should air on a TV station near you, or play at some cult flick cinema club, don't hesitate to see it. It'll be the best 90 minutes you'll have all year.

Myself, I don't remember just when I caught on to the fact that this was no 'true' documentary. It might have been as long as 15 minutes into the film. My girlfriend at the time didn't catch on until the 'product placement' scene. Believe it or not! Which goes to show, these guys know how to make a mockumentary. The string of ridiculous snafus which haunt the production team were pulled off with such skill and sensibility that you couldn't help but believe it. And no, it's not just a film for movie makers. It's for anybody who enjoys rolling on the floor laughing their hind ends off.

No, Spinal Tap it ain't. I've only seen ST twice, and I could watch this movie over and over again. It's most awesomely hilarious, and I can't wait until it comes my way again.

"Does anybody have a bible?". Indeed.