Stop Making Sense

Stop Making Sense

A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.

  • Released: 1984-11-16
  • Runtime: 88 minutes
  • Genre: Documentaries, Music
  • Stars: Jerry Harrison, Alex Weir, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Ednah Holt, Bernie Worrell, David Byrne, Steven Scales
  • Director: Jonathan Demme
 Comments
  • jrmclau - 5 May 2024
    Great Concert (from a non-fan)
    I'm not a Talking Heads fan. Of course, I know a few of the big hits (Psycho Killer, Burning Down the House). I put the 4K streaming re-release of this concert on as a surprise for my partner who is a huge fan.

    However, whether you are a fan or not, this concert is quite the show! The setlist climbs toward an awesome climax, as each instrument and musician is brought onstage as the concert progresses. It's quite captivating, and the show as a whole was really fun and enjoyable.

    It's a time capsule of the best aspects of 80s rock. Not only worth the watch, but one of the best and most unique concert films ever recorded.
  • gortx - 4 October 2023
    Restored and Re-Released - and holds up beautifully
    Took me forever, but I finally saw it! Incredibly pleased that it lived up to the hype and reputation.

    Nothing much to be added that hasn't already been said over the years. I did love how Director Jonathan Demme slowly grows the stage from David Byrne doing a solo 'Psycho Killer' to a duet, trio and finally the quartet, all the while showing the stagehands building the set. And, don't forget the exquisite backing band that truly fills the platform and the Pantages Theater. The choreography by Byrne, staging by Demme and Jordan Cronenweth's cinematography are aces, and the whole group boasts incredible energy and vigor. The film puts the viewer on stage with the performers, with the only audience reaction shots coming near the very end. It's as if one scored an ON-Stage Pass for the show. Byrne's gymnastics (and Big Suit) is a master-class in stage theatrics. One quibble is that the camera focuses solely on Byrne during 'Once In A Lifetime'. Yes, it's an iconic performance, but its a musically complex song and the other band members deserved some visual acknowledgment.

    One surprise that I somehow hadn't heard about was a guest appearance by Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz' offshoot band Tom Tom Club. Jerry Harrison isn't featured per se, but is solid throughout. One irony: Harrison's solo song 'Rev It Up' charted higher than any David Byrne, Tom Tom Club or Talking Heads single!

    The new restoration is fantastic and even though it's digitally remastered, it still maintains the spirit of its analog origins on film.

    It shall not be 40 years 'til I watch it again!