‘The Story of Anvil’: Underdog Band’s Doc, Universally Hailed but Shunned by Oscar Entry Gatekeepers, Gets a Theatrical Re-release
Katherine Turman The poignant 2008 rock doc “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” — which dramatically altered the fates of the band and may have changed the game for music docs at the Oscars — returns to theaters 13 years after its initial release. Director and one-time teenage Anvil roadie Sacha Gervasi, who provided an intimate look at the tribulations of the never-say-die Canadian metal band, ultimately saw the pic win a 2010 Emmy for Outstanding Arts & Culture Programming. Other prizes include a 2010 Independent Spirit Award for best documentary, and the audience award for best film at Dublin International Film Festival (2009). It’s tied for sixth place as one of the highest-rated documentaries of all time on Rotten Tomatoes with a 98% fresh critical rating, and a 90% audience score with over votes.