treykirssin "Stop Making Sense" is one of the most joyous movie experiences I've ever had. It's not hard to see why many consider it to be the greatest concert film of all time. As the show goes on, the sheer energy and repeated phrases of the Talking Heads turn it into an almost religious event, with David Byrne as the slightly deranged pastor, throwing everything he's got into his sermons.Of course, the most important aspect of a music film is the songs, and they do not disappoint here. From the striking, stripped-down version of "Psycho Killer" to the heartfelt sentiment of "This Must Be the Place", the Heads cover nearly all of their biggest hits, and if your foot isn't tapping for at least one of them, you might want to check your pulse.Director Jonathan Demme shows tact in his camera angles, letting the visuals of the performances speak for themselves, as shadows are cast in the background and the musicians turn themselves into perpetual-motion machines.There have been many films both fictional and true about music, but none of them communicate the absolute joy that is shown here by performers who love what they're doing, love how they're doing it, and love that they're doing it with each other.

camillusdsl I watched this wonderful musical experience on DVD recently. I hadn't seen it for at least ten years and was delighted to see how well it's stood the test of time. Memories came flooding back of going to see it several times in the cinema with my then girlfriend (now my wife of twenty three years). Every time we went we met the same group of friends, smuggled in some beer, then danced all the way through the movie. Anyone too young to remember Talking Heads in their prime should watch Stop Making Sense and see how a group of talented musicians can put on a stunning show without the need for any flashy pyrotechnics. The originality and quality of the music and the clever use of simple lighting combine to make this a must see movie. Just be sure to move back the furniture so you have room to dance!

danraymer I have many music documentaries and recorded concerts, and stop making sense is by far the best. I don't know if this was truly intentional or not, but it seems like the entire concert was geared toward making an awesome video. of course the music is awesome, as always, but the combination of an incredible performance and terrific cinematography creates one hell of a DVD. there are actually only 3 or 4 shots in the entire film where you see a substantial amount of the audience, and, unlike many concert recordings, the camera work is not constantly switching and showing everything at once, but focuses on what is most significant to that portion of the song and waits, appreciating whatever is happening rather than flipping back and forth to every different angle they have. you must buy this DVD, and, if not, at least buy the album so you realize how great the DVD must be.

terihu To be perfectly honest, I was not a Talking Heads fan before this I saw this. A friend had to drag me to see it when it came out. But it totally blew me away! I wound up being totally obsessed with TH after I saw Stop Making Sense, so I don't think it's just for fans at all, it made me a fan.The thing about SMS is that it's just pure music, and pure joy. No filler: interviews with the band members backstage, crowd shots, spliced segments of music videos, blah blah blah. If you love a band's music, why bother with the other crap? It's just drama (which there was plenty of on this tour, apparently, if you read the interviews).David Byrne is such a freak, and his unadulterated joy at being able to BE a freak on stage and get paid for it is infectious. This is a show for every self-conscious teen who felt like shrinking into his chair during class, but who busts out dancing in the privacy of his bedroom.