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Still, I can take some small measure of consolation in the digitally re-mixed and re-mastered DVD edition of the film that has recently been released by Palm Pictures.


Conceived for the stage by Heads mastermind David Byrne, STOP MAKING SENSE stands as a truly unique and great example of rock-documentary filmmaking. The picture, directed by Jonathan Demme, reminds us of the power of the moving image to capture a fleeting moment and preserve it for all time. The Talking Heads, one of the great bands of the late 70s and the 80s, has long since dissolved and the members have gone their own ways. But through the magic of cinema, it is possible to return to 1983 and see the band live on stage during their prime. It is easy to call a band “great”, but the Heads were able to create a singular sound that still seems innovative even today. Lots of music and musicians came and went in the 80s, but the Talking Heads’ music continues to sound as fresh and new in 1999 as it did in 1983.


The film was shot during three nights of live shows at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Byrne and Demme’s concept for the show – and the film – was to portray how a live concert is put together, from the first strumming of a guitar on a bare stage to the end result of a full production, complete with a full band, lighting effects, and giant slide shows. It’s a simple idea, but an intriguing one that slowly unfolds for the audience – as Byrne and his band mates appear on stage one by one, and as the music becomes more and more complex, one can clearly see the roadies in the background building stages and setting microphones. This conceit adds a feel of naturalism to the film that helps the proceedings avoid the usual pitfalls of concert movies.


Director of photography Jordan Cronenweth is probably best remembered for his work on BLADE RUNNER, but he did no less of a job here. Cronenweth and Demme offer a technically flawless film; the two present such a strikingly varied series of looks to each musical number, mainly through lighting effects, that it is difficult to believe that some of these even take place on the same stage as one another. The design of the film clearly has Byrne’s mark on it, “big suit” and all, but Demme and his photographer are the craftsmen who bring the work to life.


But of course, the heart and soul of the film lies in the music of the band. Byrne’s solo acoustic performance of “Psycho Killer” (accompanied only by a boom box with a percussion track) opens the proceedings in the simplest of fashions. Soon the rest of the band joins in, and by the time “Burning Down the House” kicks in, the sound is in full gear. Every track is a winner, from the better known songs like “Once in a Lifetime” and “Life During Wartime” to personal favorites such as “Found a Job” and “Heaven”.


Obviously, STOP MAKING SENSE isn’t for everyone. My Dad would rather watch “Elvis’ Hawaiian Comeback Special” than this film, just as his father would’ve preferred “Lawrence Welk” to “Elvis”. Even my girlfriend, five years my junior, would probably be more interested in a Beck concert than a Talking Heads show. Still, generational persuasions notwithstanding, STOP MAKING SENSE stands as one of the greatest concert films ever. And whereas Elvis looks darned cheesy in his rhinestone jumpsuits nowadays, David Byrne’s big suit is still pretty cool if you ask me.


This re-mastered DVD looks and sounds great. The film is presented in widescreen, with a choice of three separate audio mixes: 5.1 Dolby Digital feature film soundtrack, 5.1 Dolby Digital studio mix soundtrack or linear PCM stereo soundtrack. The transfer is beautiful – so much so that when I first decided to review the film I simply rented the disc, but after watching it I realized I absolutely had to buy it for my collection.


The DVD is jammed with extras as well, including a couple of bonus songs (“Cities” and “Big Business/I Zimbra”), storyboard comparisons, “big suit” production notes and cast and crew bios. Other features include: the theatrical trailer; a “montage” sequence, which is basically a trailer of sorts; a Talking Heads discography; a DVD-ROM Palm Hyperactive Experience; and Palm Pictures DVD previews for BAABA MAAL, DANCEHALL QUEEN and GHOST IN THE SHELL.


The audio commentary by Jonathan Demme and the members of the band is fine (it is especially nice to hear the often enigmatic Byrne’s input on the film), but unfortunately each person’s track was recorded separately and cut together for the DVD. This is too bad because it would have been nice to hear the long-since-disbanded group discussing the film and their music with each other.


The oddest – and funniest – extra feature here is the “David Byrne self interview”. The roughly five-minute segment is a hilarious and strange sequence wherein Byrne sits in his big suit and allows himself to be questioned by various characters (all played by Byrne in make-up). It’s pure strangeness, in true Byrne fashion, but at the same time the artist does use this format to offer some insight into the way he works.

Still, for all the Talking Heads’ peculiarities, the main thrust of STOP MAKING SENSE is simply a sense of joy and great pleasure. Byrne’s quirky band transcends mere rock concert shenanigans and instead conveys a love for performing that is infectious for even non-fans who have seen the film. Hell, on second thought, I bet even my dad would drop his “Elvis in Hawaii” special for this.-- SCOTT COLLURA

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originally posted: 02/25/01 09:54:59
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