
Film experts would include Rob Reinerâs 1984 film, This Is Spinal Tap, in his impressive body of work. Largely created through improvisation with stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, it helped launch Guestâs career in mockumentaries and indirectly inspired sitcoms like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, and Abbott Elementary. Reiner didnât just direct; he helped build careers. As a co-founder of Castle Rock Picturesânamed after the town in Stand by Me, famous from Stephen King storiesâhe co-produced films like Whit Stillmanâs Barcelona and The Last Days of Disco; Richard Linklaterâs Before trilogy; Christopher Guestâs Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind; and Kenneth Branaghâs four-hour version of Hamlet. He also co-produced further Stephen King adaptations, including The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. Reinerâs own films, written by renowned screenwriters like Nora Ephron, William Goldman, and Aaron Sorkin, are filled with memorable lines that have become part of popular culture: âIâll have what sheâs having,â âIâm your No. 1 fan,â âYou canât handle the truth!â âAs you wish,â and the iconic âThese go to 11.â