How Talking Heads and Jonathan Demme Changed Musical Filmmaking - Stop Making Sense

[@cinematothemax]

My apologies for pronouncing Demme's name incorrectly, I'll be sure to correct it in the New Order video, which will hopefully be up soon. Thank you for your support in the meantime! Edit: Here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqWspWaLbdtnsLM

[@anodyne57]

Always good to verify pronunciations *before* making the mistake...but good you are trying to correct it. Probably a good idea to add that note to your vid description, if that's still editable? (Fewer people look at the comments than the description).

[@cinematothemax]

I should have verified it from when he won the Oscar instead of Google, you are correct. Thank you, I will make the change!

[@troygaspard6732]

Byrne's dance with the lamp is aping a famous Fred Astaire scene. He steals from the best.

[@rickkahl5444]

@@cinematothemax Also it's "Talking Heads" not "The Talking Heads".

[@Yup71719]

Best concert film ever made in my opinion

[@cinematothemax]

100 percent agreed! Thanks for watching, a sub would mean a lot.

[@tarjeigaare]

After Pink Floyds Echoes concert

[@drewhughes9127]

@@tarjeigaarethat’s third place to this and The Last Waltz.

[@directamplification]

It's Stop Making Sense or The Last Waltz, it's hard to pick between them!

[@thehighlandhamster]

Life During Wartime is just superb. A highlight amongst many magic moments in the movie. Ground-breaking and timeless.

[@cinematothemax]

It's an absolutely incredible sequence. Thank you for watching!

[@daleywhaley]

Hands down best considered and executed live show ever, the music, perfromances and art set it light years ahead of anything before or since, every song is an epic and it will never be beaten.

[@cinematothemax]

100 percent agreed! Thank you for watching.

[@josephgiordano2833]

Where do I begin.... I have been a fan since I was a teen. I am just about 62 now. I first stumbled across them at CBGB's and was hooked ever since. From David Burn's antics to his bands amazing music and Concerts over the years. Each album, cassette CD, download was worth listening too. The concerts were always a trip and of course the Stop Making Sense tour and Film are and we're unforgettable. I still and always will admire David Burns and his bandmates 4ever. Keep crosseyed and painless my friends.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@wgransdell]

I saw Talking Heads on the Stop Making Sense tour, and it's by far the best concert I've ever seen. My favorite song from the movie is What a Day That Was, which isn't even a Talking Heads song. David Byrne wrote it for the Broadway musical "The Catherine Wheel." The energy of the song, the beautiful backing vocals, and the dramatic way the performers are lit from below are just great.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and sharing! It's certainly one of the highlights.

[@gyeltsen]

I was very fortunate to have attended one of the evenings at the Pantages Theater during filming, a truly wonderful show. So delighted the film was so well done!

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for sharing, it must have been quite the experience!

[@SolaceEasy]

As a former owner of the DVD I can offer a little more information from the additional materials. David Byrne designed the production intensely. He StoryBoxed every single song and shot in advance of the director seeing the production. Jonathan Demme brought forward David Byrne's vision.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for the information, you can certainly see how well the two worked together!

[@davidcoleman757]

Surely the best live concert ever filmed and one of my favourite movies. I have a real soft spot for this version of Life During Wartime. I love Demme's work. Another movie of his that has a special place in my heart is Swimming to Cambodia.

[@cinematothemax]

It's the greatest! Thank you for watching and sharing.

[@robertdraper5782]

Spalding Grey's decision to end his own life was tragic, he was such a great raconteur, the line "the banana didn't stick" has stuck with me as a great moment in comedy.

[@delby66]

I was lucky enough to see this great band in Toronto, way back in the early 80's. They were one of the bands that opened up for The Police at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The Police Picnic as the concert was called, was a whole day affair and Talking Heads were the second to last band that performed. I love the Police, but Talking Heads were superb. They stole the show. I have never seen Stop Making Sense, but after seeing this, I will check it out. One of the most innovative bands of all time.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@justgetoutthereguy]

Could not agree more. Absolutely love this film/concert. The trailer you mentioned just came up on my social media, and I was also genuinely excited. Personally love cross eyed & painless as my favourite - with those 2 backing singers Lyn Maybury & Edna Holt I think (& the crowd) go absolutely nutz! Just fantastic! I am so going to go to the cinema to see this ... And to just complete my wholehearted agreement with your sentiment on This fab film, I have The Dance craze album cover as a poster on my wall... ! Great video mate, glad I was directed to you, just subbed - all the best - Adam 👍

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your kind words!

[@josephsmith5410]

I'm so happy that it's being re-released this year in theaters!!

[@cinematothemax]

Same here, can't wait to see it! Thank you for watching.

[@troygaspard6732]

The opening of Byrne's feet walking onto the stage shows how composed this film would be. Other concert films appear static by comparison.

[@peterwadhams4148]

I love Tina!!! My first interview as a UC Davis entertainment writer and DJ and roadie, was with Chris at the Miyako Hotel in SF. I wrote the review/interview overnight. I love the piece. Please!!! It is not THE Talking Heads. The name of the band is Talking Heads, like TV news and entertainment presenters. ANY QUESTIONS? 😂

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for sharing and for watching!

[@vincentvandervelden3554]

The loudest i ever played a concert...the way its supposed to be played.. Cant wait to see the A24 adaptation in the cinema soon ❤

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and sharing! I can't wait to see it as well.

[@deltron4608]

I never realize how much stranger Talking Heads were and I love it

[@astrogallus]

It is an amazing and electrifying concert film, and the artistry of Talking Heads is always superb. There is something captivating and magnetic about the film that showcases both the talent and mystery of the Heads in a surreal fashion that their work merits.

[@cinematothemax]

Couldn't agree more, thank you for watching!

[@astrogallus]

@@cinematothemax - You're welcome. Thank you for taking a look at this iconic film! 👍

[@lukasvalkucak1363]

thanks for the video, i completely agree, it is byrnes vision, demmes execution and everyones energy and musicianship, my favourite part is when they have so much fun in burning down the house. as for something from this century that comes near, i nominate vulfpeck: live in msg, they have some distinct stylistic choices too, also every song they play is the best version of that song (probably). high energy, fun and some original ideas.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and for the recommendation, I'll check them out!

[@brucelaidlaw1441]

Thanks, an enjoyable & interesting commentary on a movie-masterpiece. Now it’s coming to cinemas again in 2023 in 4K. It’s amazing how the Big Suit has become such an iconic image. David Byrne actually wears the Big Suit in only ONE SONG (Girlfriend Is Better) and yet when mentioned, people find that hard to believe, “remembering” him wearing it all through the show. Such an amazing band, glad I got to see them live, as a 4 piece in ‘79 then with this show in ‘84. 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! Can't wait to see it in cinemas.

[@ScottRedd77]

It's such an amazing film. I saw it twice on the big screen during its original release. Looking forward to the A24 re-release.

[@cinematothemax]

Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@timwatson4118]

Saw this show live in Vancouver in 1984. Yes we were all on LSD! Watching the film has an extra special significance to myself and many friends. We knew at the time that we had experienced something very special. Time has proven us correct. Hopefully every generation will know such delights. I am 60 now and looking forward to Pussy Riot playing on my 61st birthday!

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@skeletonkey6]

That must have been quite a good time!

[@SidewaysSurfDrinksHQ]

Brilliant analysis and homage sir. I’m a lifelong TH fan. Psycho Killer was the first ever song I heard of theirs way back in 1979 (working in a surf shop here in Oz, how fitting!). Anyway, I went to the first screening of movie here in Oz when it was released and then went back the next 2 nights as well to just relive the sheer joyousness of the band, their music and as you so rightly point out, Demme’s masterful direction and production. Timeless art indeed 😉

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for sharing and for your kind words! I really appreciate it 🥳 they are among the greatest ever!

[@mfrenchcazenovia]

Psycho Killer was playing on the radio when I moved into my dorm at art school in NYC.

[@anodyne57]

​@@mfrenchcazenovia "Psycho Killer" was playing inside my actual dorm room when I walked in and met my new roommate...in 1977, in my third year of undergrad. He'd seen them live already, as I did later. Heady times...

[@joshuapeterson6072]

Very interesting piece. I can see how U2 "adopted" the red background for Rattle and Hum and the projected text for the ZooTV tour. Love the TH and this production.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching, that's a great observation!

[@rudy6884]

Saw this show live in Seattle. So good.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for sharing, that's incredible!

[@anodyne57]

I was there too. What a crowd and scene. So memorable.

[@ArtemusClydeFrog1]

Excellent video! I saw the band on this tour. Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NYC. Amazing concert, amazing movie. But the director's name is pronounced "DEM-ee", Jonathan Demme.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and letting me know! Another person also pointed that out, I'll be sure to correct that in the next video.

[@JacqBLUEjay]

we were dancing in our movie seats!

[@ElsinoreRacer]

I could have seen this tour when it came to my college for $2, and I passed on it. Am I stupid? Yes. Here is the deal: A female friend of mine won a pair of tickets to the concert. She gave one to her roommate and at the last minute she herself could not go. So she calls me and offers it to me for $2. Show started in an hour. Here was the problem... I had a date and I had already canceled once with her. She had been very unhappy, and I had pleaded that I was absolutely NOT the kind of guy that cancels dates. So, standing there with the phone in my hand, I pictured myself at the Stop Making Sense concert (in a very intimate venue) and then I pictured myself making the call to my "date." I turned the ticket down. I did the noble thing. How that played out for me: 4-5 hours later, I am sharing a bar booth with my date when the roommate with the ticket goes by. "Best concert ever, Byrne came out alone with a boombox and played psycho killer and then..." Information is exchanged, she gets the story, capped by my (very hot) date saying, "So, you had a $2 Talking Heads ticket and ditched it for a date you could have done anytime? What, like, are you an idiot?" "Seriously? After you pulled a hammy when I canceled last week?" "I wasn't that disappointed." Huge surprise: I did not marry that woman.

[@cinematothemax]

What a story! Thank you for sharing and watching.

[@grummer8537]

It's a masterpiece

[@cinematothemax]

100 percent agreed. Thank you very much for watching!

[@Cathoderayterrors]

Excellent job, sir. I love it.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you very much!

[@gercreighton1851]

The concert film is simply wow and redefines concert films

[@94Seattle]

Subscribed when you said both New Order and Talking Heads are in your top 5 bands. Same here dude!! Now back to the video.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much, can't go wrong with either of them. Much appreciated!

[@SuperlativeRam]

pure art

[@RedCapicua]

Brilliant analysis within the intersection of film & music, definetely deserved a review.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@jayelgy383]

And this led to Demme directing "Silence Of The Lambs".

[@JillKnapp]

Nicely done, sir.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you very much!

[@Halfmoonbaystudios]

Great commentary thanks for this

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate your kind words.

[@reason2463]

Stop Making Sense is truly a superb concert film, and I think the songs included are the definitive versions. But for me, the music is always the first consideration for concerts. And there are other concert films that I enjoy just as much, BECAUSE of the music. Right Here, Right Now by Van Halen, U2 Rattle and Hum, Rush Live in Rio and Beyond the Lighted Stage, Return to Forever live at Montreux, Paul McCartney & Wings: Rockshow, The Moody Blues live at the Isle of Wight, The Who Rocks America one last time (ya, right!) and Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones are a few of these.

[@michaelfba2043]

Very nice! Thank you for this. But just FYI, Jonathan’s last name is pronounced “DEM-ee”. I used to know his son Ted.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching and for letting me know; I will be sure to correct it in the next video! That's amazing!

[@jenhasken]

Very nice breakdown, thank you!

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@bradcoleman7698]

Great video! Now I can't wait to see the New Order one, how's it going?

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much! It'll hopefully be out by early next month.

[@joaquimoliveira4397]

Simplesmente espetacular

[@1.618_Murphy]

Cillian Murphy should play Jonathan in his biopic!

[@virginiamiller4890]

What about, Wild at heart?

[@ericwang_art]

Do that commentary about New Order please.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for watching, it's in the works!

[@Ami483]

Which concert eric?

[@ericwang_art]

@@Ami483 Oh, I thought it would be a commentary about New Order's The Perfect Kiss video, directed by Demme.

[@Vod-Kaknockers]

There used to be video here on YT years ago that showed David in that big suit and he was dancing to I believe it's Found A Job and I thought that was the coolest thing I ever seen. Can anyone tell me if I'm correct or not? Was that song part of this film or was I just imagining things? 🤔

[@cinematothemax]

Found a Job is the fourth song in the film, and the big suit first appears when Girlfriend is Better starts, which is the 14th song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6OaiWacZ8x5sJY

[@Vod-Kaknockers]

@@cinematothemax...yeah, It must have been a different video that I saw. It has been a few years and I could've sworn it was him dancing to the last 2 minutes of the instrumental in Found A Job. If I remember correctly I think it could have been an old MTV video because the "official" video on this site isn't it. I've searched and searched but just can't find it.

[@cinematothemax]

Got it, I'll keep an eye out for it and let you know if I ever come across it!

[@lamontcranston3177]

Why must accomplishment always be framed in this manner? Demme and Byrne did not alter the course of history. They didn't reverse the rotation of the earth either.

[@RotanCam]

Overall, a nicely done documentary. However, the name of the band is “Talking Heads” not “The Talking Heads”, and director Jonathon Demme’s last name is pronounced “DEM-MEE”.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you very much, many have been kind enough to mention this, I will be sure to fix my mistakes in the future!

[@standinsilence]

Amazing concert film but I wish it didn't have The Genius Of Love. That song is so bad.

[@MushmouthJoe]

It's commendable that someone of your age has noticed the Talking Heads. I would have preferred to leave the current popstars out though. No offense intended to modern pop "music," but it's really hard to see any similarities at all. It's rare to even see a modern "musician" actually play a musical instrument. David Byrne is an artist. His music conveys unique thoughts, passion, & mood. When I hear a song from any current popstar, I feel nothing. I mean no offense. I just think you should continue listening to more like Byrne & leave the Disney "artists" behind. To answer your question at the end, I don't think I have a favorite song by the Heads but I have a favorite era. The first 3 albums. Fear of Music is probably my favorite. One more thing, sir. If you have never heard it, I think you might enjoy "The Soft Bulletin" by The Flaming Lips.

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you for your comment! That's an interesting point; I included those to compare the shift from performance-based musical filmmaking to artist-driven concert films - since mainstream artists and their personas today have surpassed the music itself in many instances. I totally understand your perspective; Byrne is certainly a superior musician. My favorite artists from the current era don't chart like Rodrigo and Eilish, and I believe that there's still plenty of talent in today's sphere. Those who are well versed in their musical knowledge tend to have an amazing output - one great example would be Phoebe Bridgers, whose biggest influence is Elliott Smith. Love Fear of Music, great choice! Thank you for your recommendation, I've only heard "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" from them, so I'll check the album out for sure.

[@patrickoconnor4470]

I really enjoyed your video essay.. Have been talking heads fan for more than 40 years.. We used to travel to Dublin on a Friday night to see the late show performance.. In the ambassador cinema.. Happiest days of my life....

[@cinematothemax]

Thank you so much! That's amazing.

[@patrickoconnor4470]

@@cinematothemax so many stories.. people in the cinema back then used to do as they wished.. For example during life during wartime... We would literally run around the cinema... Really miss the ambassador cinema....

[@cinematothemax]

I'm glad to hear that you have all those great memories.