“Stop Making Sense” is a Once in a Lifetime Theatrical Experience

"Stop Making Sense" movie poster that features David Byrne's signature big suit. Credit: Ciara Molloy '26

Nearly 40 years since it originally came out in 1984, the cult-classic Talking Heads concert film, “Stop Making Sense”, has been restored and re-released into theaters for a limited time. The Johnathan Demme directed film has been refurbished by A24 in 4K quality for the big screen to allow viewers to experience the cultural phenomenon in all of its wacky glory.

Talking Heads, the four-piece post-punk band comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist David Byrne, bassist Tina Weymouth, drummer Chris Frantz, and keyboardist and guitarist Jerry Harrison, formed in New York City in 1977 where they found their niche in the CBGB music club. The band’s experimental sound garnered them attraction and went on to sign a deal with Sire Records in 1977. Before the release of “Stop Making Sense,” Talking Heads released five albums: “Talking Heads: 77,” “More Songs About Buildings and Food,” “Fear of Music,” “Remain in Light” and “Speaking in Tongues.”

Jonathan Demme had been a fan of Talking Heads before the filming of “Stop Making Sense.” Demme reached out to a mutual friend who then contacted the band to which he proposed the concert film. He pitched the idea of a film that would simply showcase the band and their performance – and Demme did just that with “Stop Making Sense.”

Filmed over four nights at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California in December of 1983, the musicality and showmanship of the group is put on full display. The film opens with frontman David Byrne walking onto the stage and he begins a stripped-back, acoustic rendition of the band’s classic hit, “Psycho Killer.” During “Psycho Killer,” the audience gets the first glimpse of David Byrne’s vivacious stage presence as he stumbles across the stage for a portion of the song.

For the next three songs, the other Talking Heads members join Byrne on stage. Tina Weymouth appears on stage for “Heaven,” Chris Frantz joins for “Thank You For Sending Me an Angel,” and finally, Jerry Harrison joins for “Found a Job,” completing the lineup. For their next number, “Slippery People,” an ensemble of new musicians joins Talking Heads on stage. This band of musicians consists of backup singers Ednah Holt and Lynn Mabry, percussionist Steve Scales, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and guitarist Alex Weir. The wildly talented group of musicians that join the four Talking Heads members amplifies an already energetic performance by adding a groovy rhythm.

One of the most fascinating elements of “Stop Making Sense” is how the film captures the joy of live music and how that emotion exudes through the screen. There are no overly frantic jump shots that make the film hard to watch. Demme does a fantastic job of capturing this joy by honing in on each musician and showcasing when they are deep into moments of musical euphoria.

In “Burning Down the House,” Jerry Harrison and backup singers Ednah Holt and Lynn Mabry are shown dancing together in a seemingly improvised way. David Byrne and guitarist Alex Weir are shown in another scene jumping up and down while shredding their guitars as if they are feeding off each other's exuberant energy.

In another standout number, “Life During Wartime,” it's hard to stay off your feet while watching this upbeat song being performed with such fervor. Throughout the song, Byrne, Weymouth, Holt, Mabry, and Weir all run and hop in place in a synchronized manner while Frantz and Scales pound the drums and Harrison and Worell deliver on the keyboards. Despite the lyrics of the song that state, “This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco,” David Byrne wobbles in place and even does several energetic laps around the stage.

It is impossible to not mention David Byrne’s iconic big suit while discussing “Stop Making Sense.” At the beginning of their performance of “Girlfriend is Better,” a shadow is projected on the backdrop of the stage to which the broad-shouldered silhouette of David Byrne appears. As the camera pans to Byrne, he is shown donning an oversized suit. As the song goes on, Byrne displays his oddball moves in an enthralling manner by gyrating his hips and legs, bobbing his head, and shrugging his shoulders.

In a Pitchfork interview when asked about the promotion of the 2023 re-release of “Stop Making Sense" and how it has reunited Talking Heads, Jerry Harrison answered, “There’s no question, though, that it revives the joy we had together. I think for each one of us, watching the film, we feel the joy—not just the four of us, but everybody that was onstage, and the crew.” Harrison sums up the jubilant feeling that is omitted from the film. The theatrical re-release of “Stop Making Sense” is an event for any lover of music to experience. The passionate musicianship of Talking Heads and their supporting band makes this film so joyous to watch, and that is why “Stop Making Sense” cements itself in the world of cinema as one of the best concert films to ever be created.