Tapeheads Poster

Tapeheads 1988

★ 5.358 votes93 min📅 1988-10-21

"A FAST FORWARD MUSIC COMEDY."

In Bill Fishman's 1988 cult comedy *Tapeheads (1988)*, two lovable but clueless ex-security guards, Ivan and Josh, trade their boring jobs for a dream fueled by music videos and sheer audacity.

Director: Bill Fishman

Cast

John Cusack
John Cusack
Ivan Alexeev
Tim Robbins
Tim Robbins
Josh Tager
Mary Crosby
Mary Crosby
Samantha Gregory
Clu Gulager
Clu Gulager
Norman Mart
Katy Boyer
Katy Boyer
Belinda Mart
Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter
Kay Mart
Sam Moore
Sam Moore
Billy Diamond
Junior Walker
Lester Diamond
Susan Tyrrell
Susan Tyrrell
Nikki Morton
Doug McClure
Doug McClure
Sid Tager

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tapeheads (1988) about?

*Tapeheads (1988)* follows Ivan and Josh, two former security guards who start a music video production company in Los Angeles. After stumbling into the industry with little experience, they attempt to revive the career of their favorite R&B duo, the Swanky Modes, while navigating the absurdities of Hollywood's music scene.

Who directed Tapeheads?

Tapeheads was directed by Bill Fishman, known for his work in cult comedies and offbeat films that blend humor with social commentary.

Who stars in Tapeheads?

The film stars John Cusack and Tim Robbins as the bumbling duo, alongside Mary Crosby, Clu Gulager, and Jessica Walter, who bring eccentric energy to the story.

Is Tapeheads (1988) worth watching?

With its unique blend of comedy, music, and '80s nostalgia, *Tapeheads (1988)* is a hidden gem for fans of offbeat cinema. While it may not be mainstream, its sharp satire and standout performances make it a cult favorite worth exploring.

How long is Tapeheads?

Tapeheads has a runtime of 93 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Tapeheads (1988) — A Wild Ride Through '80s Music-Video Madness

In Bill Fishman's 1988 cult comedy *Tapeheads (1988)*, two lovable but clueless ex-security guards, Ivan and Josh, trade their boring jobs for a dream fueled by music videos and sheer audacity. Armed with nothing but enthusiasm and a VHS camera, they dive headfirst into Hollywood's chaotic music-video scene, learning the hard way that talent alone isn't enough in an industry where gimmicks rule. With the help of the eccentric Mo Fuzz, their mismanaged attempts to revive a fading R&B duo, the Swanky Modes, turn into a series of absurd misadventures that somehow make perfect sense in this neon-drenched world.

This fast-forward music comedy isn't just a love letter to the excesses of the '80s; it's a sharp, satirical take on chasing fame in an era obsessed with flash over substance. Cusack and Robbins deliver a dynamic duo of comedic charm, while Fishman's direction turns every set piece into a vibrant, over-the-top spectacle. Whether you're a fan of retro aesthetics or just love a good underdog story, *Tapeheads (1988)* delivers laughs, heart, and a soundtrack that's impossible to resist.