Distributed by A24 and newly restored in 4K, critically acclaimed concert film “Stop Making Sense” returned to theaters Sep. 22 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film’s initial release. Directed by Jonathan Demme, “Stop Making Sense” captures an electrifying live performance by alternative rock band Talking Heads at Hollywood’s Pantage Theatre in 1983.
Talking Heads’ conception began when vocalist and lead guitarist David Byrne met bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Frantz at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1974. The following year, the group moved to New York City to begin their music careers and later added Jerry Harrison on keys and guitar in 1977. Talking Heads soon dominated the American rock scene, recording eight studio albums, two live albums, 31 singles and 15 music videos. The group also won two VMAs for Best Group and Best Video for “Wild Wild Life,” and an NME award for Best Music Video for “Road to Nowhere.” The group was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. Talking Heads garnered millions of fans around the world with their quirky, “new wave” sound that combined elements of rock, pop, and funk while maintaining that quintessential, beloved ‘80s feel.
“Stop Making Sense” begins with a stripped-down version of “Psycho Killer,” one of the band’s biggest hits. Byrne plays a simple drum beat from a boombox placed at his feet and strums an acoustic guitar alone on stage. Weymouth enters for the next song, “Heaven,” and Frantz joins them next for “Thank You for Sending Me an Angel.” New band members, including Jerry Harrison on keys, Alex Weir on guitar, and percussionist Steve Scales, then begin to join the band on stage for each new song. The energy continues to rise over the course of 16 songs and approximately 90 minutes as the band is accompanied by striking visuals and an enthusiastic audience. Backing vocalists Lynn Mabry and Edna Holt deliver an awe-inspiring and captivating performance as they sing and dance with Byrne, Weymouth and Weir. Weymouth and Frantz’s band Tom Tom Club also perform their song “Genius of Love” toward the end of the show. The film, this time released in IMAX, is chock full of long, wide-angle shots that allow the viewer to take in everything that’s happening on the stage. The camera doesn’t jump around too much or linger on a close-up too long; it gives you time to absorb every ounce of energy coming from each of the artists.
Since its initial release, “Stop Making Sense” has grown to be one of the most well known concert films of all time, and audiences today seem to be just as excited to see the film as they were 40 years ago. A24 introduced the film to a new generation of excited, young movie-lovers around the world. Some people who saw the film in theaters held impromptu dance parties in front of the big screen. While this would normally be frowned upon during a typical movie screening, Talking Heads’ performance is so energizing it’s almost impossible to sit still and remain seated while this film is playing. One TikTok user, @blondeshell, said about the experience, “Everyone got up and was DANCING in the theater. It was just people being joyful and kind and happy together. That’s what this music does for people.”
“Stop Making Sense” returned to theaters across the country on Sep. 22 and will remain in theaters until Oct. 12. Regal Cinemas at Essex Crossing and Battery Park as well as Village East by Angelika have multiple showtimes available each day. It is also available to stream on Apple TV and Prime Video. For those who love concert films (or just tight bands with eccentric lead singers), “Stop Making Sense” is an absolute must-see.
