Stop Making Sense

Genre: concert film  

With: the Talking Heads: David Byrne (guitar and lead vocals), Tina Weymouth (bass), Jerry Harrison (guitar and keyboards), Chris Frantz (drums); guest musicians and singers

Director: Jonathan Demme

Screenplay: Jonathan Demme, the Talking Heads

Release: 1984

Studio: Talking Heads, Arnold Stiefel Company

Rating: -

MBiS score: 8.0/10 

 

Cure Your Anxiety with a Healthy Dose of Rock and Funk 

 

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Story-line: the Talking Heads, celebrated angstmeisters of rock's new wave era, are presented in concert for your viewing pleasure. 

Pluses: David Byrne's theatrics and fiery showmanship, the band's unbridled energy, a sparkling repertoire of songs founded in alienation, wry humour and irony, top-notch direction, editing and production values, Jordan Cronenweth's lovely and sometimes grainy cinematography and, very importantly, excellent s-o-u-n-d.

Minuses: don't be misled by the film's mellow beginning... it warms up in no time. Although well versed reviewers have called it the best concert film ever made, I can't see how it surpasses THE LAST WALTZ. As for the "big suit" worn by David Byrne in the final act, some people may find it offensive and, quite frankly, I didn't understand the concept behind it.

Comments: at the time this film was made, I saw the Heads in Montreal and, although they had delivered a fine set that night, I don't remember David Byrne giving such a torrid, exhausting performance as here. Let's give credit to Jonathan Demme for immortalizing these distinctive, off-kilter musicians at the height of their creative careers. Don't be straight, don't be normal, STOP MAKING SENSE!     

 

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