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Movie Description
Those who aren't familiar with the work of seminal 1980s band The Talking Heads may find themselves becoming instant fans after viewing this incredibly entertaining concert film. It starts with David Byrne stepping out alone on empty stage with an acoustic guitar to sing "Psycho Killer." The rest of the musicians follow one by one and the stage gradually fills to bursting with powerful, tightly orchestrated brilliance. Director Jonathan Demme (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, PHILADEPLPHIA) expertly captures the music's energy, fusing cinema with performance to create something more than the sum of its parts. Through it all, Byrne comes off as a charismatic artist of supernatural energy and robotic precision, and he's backed by an equally inspired group of musicians, including bassist Tina Weymouth. Artistically ambitious, filled with joyous but controlled energy, this is considered by many critics to be the best concert film of all time. Songs performed include "Take Me to the River," "Once in a Lifetime," "Girlfriend is Better," "Burnin' Down the House" and a hilarious cover of "Genius of Love, " by the Tom-Tom Club (a side project for bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Christ Frantz). It was filmed at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.
Synopsis
Jonathan Demme revolutionized the art of shooting rock concerts with this innovative and lively record of the Talking Heads. Filmed at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, California, this video cements the group's place as one of the day's most unique rock groups. Among the 18 songs included are "Take Me to the River," "Once in a Lifetime," and "Burnin' Down the House." Starting with a solo by David Byrne, the film escalates as the other members join in.
Industry Reviews
"...One of the best performance movies ever made..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
Total Film - p.96 - Demetrios Matheou (10/01/1999)
"...A rock concert film that looks and sounds like no other....It may well help inspire [rock films] of the future."
New York Times - p.C17 - Janet Maslin (10/19/1984)
"...It captures Talking Heads at their artistic apex, in a way that holds up as cinema, as opposed to music video....STOP MAKING SENSE is a masterpiece..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Kevin M. Williams (09/17/1999)
"...One of the most brilliantly edited movies of any kind from any era..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (10/29/1999)
"...This is a magnificent performance by America's greatest rainbow-funk art-and-party band..."
Rolling Stone - Rolling Stone Staff (11/27/2003)
"[W]hat many regard as the perfect concert movie. Filmed in exemplary manner by Jonathan Demme, it appeared to be a seemingly effortless exercise in building momentum."
Mojo - Mojo Staff (12/01/2004)
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