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February 2000

Stop Making Sense
Reviewed by Roger Kanno
DVD Format

Overall Enjoyment: ****1/2
Picture Quality: ***1/2
Sound Quality: ****
Packaged Extras: ***1/2

Starring the Talking Heads

Directed by Johnathon Demme

Theatrical Release: 1984
DVD Release: 1999
Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen (Anamorphic)


The 1999 re-release of the Talking Heads’ concert film, Stop Making Sense, was quietly released on DVD last October by Palm Pictures. While I am not a big fan of the Talking Heads' later albums or of David Byrne’s recent efforts, this film features some of my favorite songs of theirs taken from such classic albums as Speaking in Tongues, Remain in Light, and Fear of Music.

Most concert films are disappointing because they are often just footage of a band playing a collection of songs and regardless of how good they may be, the end result is usually an uninteresting and linear presentation of their songs. However, the Talking Heads' performance in this film is involving both musically and conceptually. David Byrne begins the film with "Psycho Killer" accompanied only by a recorded drum track and his acoustic guitar. He is then joined onstage by bassist, Tina Weymouth for "Heaven" and the rest of the musicians follow one by one during subsequent songs. The film centers mostly on front man, Byrne’s weird and mesmerizing performance, but core band members, (Tina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, and Chris Frantz) also give wonderful musical and theatrical performances. The remaining band members (Steve Scales, Alex Weir, Bernie Worrell, Lynn Mabry, and Edna Holt) are all full of an infectious energy that makes this film a frenetic, non-stop party. Add to this Johnathon Demme’s (Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia) crisp direction and Stop Making Sense is one of the best concert films of all time.

As much as Stop Making Sense is a collaborative effort, it is David Byrne that brings it all together. He makes "Psycho Killer" hauntingly disturbing while making the next song, "Heaven" both touching and thought-provoking. And who can forget his performance in "Once in a Lifetime" or the big suit in "Girlfriend is Better?" While you may think that the jerky on-stage movements of other pop icons such as Sting and Peter Gabriel are weird, Byrne’s style which can most charitably be described as twitchy, makes these other artists seem pedestrian in comparison.

The soundtrack has been totally re-mixed into two separate Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes for the 1999 re-release. The first is the "Feature Film" mix that is a bit overly center-channel oriented, but still provides a lively and immediate presentation with a wide soundstage. The "Studio Mix" is more stereophonic with greater depth, but is more laid back. There is also a new 2.0 channel stereo mix included. I preferred the "Feature Film" mix for its more concert-like sound. While the obviousness of the center channel tended to collapse the depth of the soundstage, I liked the aliveness of this mix and how it complemented the onscreen action with a real sense of being there. Overall, the soundtrack is a bit thin, but considering its age, it has good imaging and a very nice front stereo soundstage. The picture is a little soft, lacks detail and colors are sometimes a bit muted. The lighting is often very dark and shadow detail is only adequate. I have a feeling that this is due partly to the quality of the original film elements as well as a conscious effort by the filmmakers to give the film a dark and eerie look.

Included on the DVD are three bonus tracks, "Cities," "Big Business," and "I Zimbra," a theatrical trailer, a strange self interview by David Byrne, an interesting storyboard also composed by Byrne, biographies, discographies, and a brief explanation of the big suit. An audio commentary track is also provided by the four band members and Johnathon Demme. Listen to Byrne’s comments about "Psycho Killer" where he describes the song as coming from "a sensitive serial killer’s point of view."

Great music, great performances, and great film making – this is what Stop Making Sense is all about. Whether you are a fan of the Talking Heads or not, this DVD is worth seeking out. It may be difficult to find because it was not released by one of the major DVD labels, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts. I am adding this one to my collection of favorite music DVDs. 


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