Stop Making Sense

Pick #520

Stop Making Sense

Dir. Jonathan Demme · United States of America · English, French

7.9 Our score

1984 Movie Documentary, Music

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Our take

Widely regarded as one of the finest concert movies of all time, Stop Making Sense depicts musical innovators The Talking Heads at the height of their game. Directed by Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia), and starring the eccentric and energetic David Byrne, the show is a marvel of perfectly executed choreography and mid-eighties musicality. Halfway through the set, one might think they’ve heard all of the hits, but they keep coming and coming. Before Beyonce was Queen, before Bieber was conceived, this film shows what is capable with a camera, a guitar, and some genius.

The story

What happens

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.

Elsewhere

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"The drama that Demme evokes in “Stop Making Sense” is the artistic self-transcendence that emerges from collaboration in performance."

— Richard Brody

The details

About this pick

Year
1984
Type
Movie
Director
Jonathan Demme
Cast
Chris Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth
Language
English, French
Country
United States of America
Rated
PG

Streaming arrival

  • Kanopy
  • Tubi
  • Plex
  • Hoopla
  • HBO Max
  • The Roku Channel
  • Pluto TV
  • Prime Video

Who picked it

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