Music
Why the Talking Heads’ ‘Stop Making Sense’ returning to theaters is a big deal
‘Stop Making Sense’ debuted back in 1984, but fans will be able to see it in theaters once again in 2023.
Talking Heads’ ‘Stop Making Sense’ concert film is returning to theaters after A24 acquired worldwide rights to the classic concert film.
The film, which came out back in 1984, features the core band members David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison, along with P-Funk Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry and Edna Holt.
It captured Talking Heads at their best as they performed in Hollywood at the Pantages Theater in support of their fifth album, ‘Speaking in Tongues’.
Why the film is a big deal
For one thing, it is regarded as one of the greatest concert films ever.
‘Stop Making Sense’ is directed by Jonathan Demme. The 73-year-old is known for directing the Oscar-winning ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Philadelphia’ in 1991 and 1993 respectively.
The film was shot over the course of three nights in December 1983 and was unique for its time, as it was the first made entirely using digital audio techniques. It also features some of Talking Heads’ most memorable songs, including ‘Burning Down the House’, ‘Once in a Lifetime’ and ‘This Must be the Place’.
Rather than include some of the usual scenes seen in concert films, like crowd reaction shots, Demme opted to focus on the band’s performance. It starts out with a minimal, bare stage, but swells to a big ensemble with dance numbers by the end.
It also features Byrne’s unforgettable big suit, which makes it look as though he is puppeteering his own body.
In a 1984 New York Times review, critic Janet Maslin said that the film was like no other.
“The film’s visual style is as coolly iconoclastic as Talking Heads itself,” she wrote. “Mr. Demme has captured both the look and the spirit of this live performance with a daring and precision that match the group’s own.”
When will ‘Stop Making Sense’ return to theaters?
As of yet, the film hasn’t got a release date, though it will be remastered in 4K.
Fans can look forward to a new deluxe edition of the soundtrack though, which is set to be released on August 18 via Rhino Records. It will be available digitally as part of a double LP set with a Dolby Atmos mix.
You can already pre-order the soundtrack from the band’s official website.
The news comes after Byrne performed at the 2023 Oscars with the infamous hot dog fingers from ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.
Byrne, Son Lux and Mitsky contributed to the song ‘This Is A Life’, which was on the soundtrack and up for Best Original Song. The award went to ‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’.