Watch The Rutles Anthology

The Rutles Anthology is a 2003 mockumentary and compilation film that tells the story of the Rutles, a fictional band created by Eric Idle and Neil Innes. The movie is a parody of the Beatles and their history, and it's full of references to their music, style, and personal lives, as well as to the cultural and political events of the 1960s and 1970s.

The film is divided into two main parts. The first part is a documentary-style chronicle of the Rutles' rise to fame and eventual breakup, spanning from their early days as a Liverpool band called the Quarrymen, to their iconic appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, to their creative differences and dissolution. Along the way, we meet the members of the band, including Ron Nasty (played by Innes), Dirk McQuickly (played by Idle), Stig O'Hara (played by Ricky Fataar), and Barry Wom (played by John Halsey), as well as their manager Leggy Mountbatten (played by Idle). We also see interviews with various people who knew the Rutles or were influenced by them, such as record executives, journalists, and fans.

The second part of the film is a collection of Rutles music videos and performances, including some never-before-seen footage. This part is presented as a TV special that aired in the 1970s, complete with cheesy commercials and poor audio quality. The songs are hilarious send-ups of Beatles classics, with titles like "All You Need Is Cash," "Get Up and Go," "Piggy in the Middle," and "Cheese and Onions." The lyrics are full of puns, wordplay, and imaginary characters, such as Rutles Road Manager (played by George Harrison) and Bizzby Bee (played by Mick Jagger). The music videos feature the band in various ridiculous situations, such as playing on a rooftop, walking through a maze, or riding a giant apple.

Throughout the film, Idle and Innes maintain a straight face and deliver deadpan humor, making fun of not only the Beatles but also the music industry, the media, and the fans. Their attention to detail and their knowledge of the Beatles' career is impressive, as they recreate events like the Magical Mystery Tour and the Sgt. Pepper's album cover, and use references like John Lennon's "bigger than Jesus" statement and Yoko Ono's avant-garde art. They also use clever editing and special effects to insert the Rutles into real archival footage and make it look like they were part of history.

The Rutles Anthology is a brilliant tribute to the Beatles, and at the same time a great satire of rock culture. It appeals to both fans of the Beatles who will appreciate the insider jokes and the musical talent of Idle and Innes, and to non-fans who will enjoy the absurdity and the wit of the movie. The film is also a showcase of the many talents of its creators, who wrote, directed, produced, and acted in it, as well as composed and performed the songs. The supporting cast is also stellar, with cameos from luminaries like Harrison, Jagger, and Paul Simon, who play themselves or imaginary characters.

The production values of the movie are also impressive, with great attention to period detail, costumes, sets, and lighting. The cinematography is beautiful, with shots that emulate documentary footage, TV shows, or music videos, all with a vintage look that adds to the nostalgia and humor of the film. The sound design and the score are also top-notch, with a mix of original and cover songs that capture the essence of the Beatles' sound, while adding a layer of absurdity and satire.

Overall, The Rutles Anthology is a must-see for anyone who loves comedy, music, or both. It's a hilarious and clever parody of one of the most iconic bands in history, that manages to be both respectful and irreverent, nostalgic and current, silly and smart. The movie is a testament to the enduring influence and appeal of the Beatles, as well as to the creativity and talent of their peers and followers. It's a gem of a film that deserves to be rediscovered and enjoyed by new generations of viewers.