If there is one thing I’m personally thankful to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé for, it’s the long-forgotten art form of the concert film being celebrated again. I say this because for decades, I’ve subjected my friends to my embarrassingly large collection of concert films and performance videos. Some people get it- bringing the artist and band right into your living room. Some people don’t- why not just go see the show? Well, I do both, I enjoy both, and we’re sort of in a concert film Renaissance again.
Last year, A24 re-released the iconic Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense” concert film in a glorious 4K remaster. The film was directed by Jonathan Demme (“The Silence of the Lambs“), and boasts the same cinematographer as frickin’ “Blade Runner,” Jordan Cronenweth. It’s an incredible remaster, and we’re so lucky to have it back in select theaters right now.
I got to see it at the iconic Hollywood TCL Chinese Theater last night, and it was AMAZING. I’ve watched this concert film in every possible way and release over the years, but THIS is EXACTLY how it should look and sound. If someone has ever been like….”how can someone LOVE the Talking Heads?,” take them to this experience, and maybe they’ll understand now. (If they don’t, fuck em. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life!)
This re-release actually gave us a semi Talking Heads reunion! Something we never thought possible! David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison came together at the Toronto International Film Festival to speak about the film. (They also did a stop on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” which is AWESOME.)
I’m very excited to see what other classic concerts we may get this way. “Queen Rock Montreal” just had it’s 4K IMAX release this past weekend, so whats next?!
Also, all those young people dancing in front of the screen by the end of the film? Why, it made my little black heart so warm and happy. You’ll be able to catch “Stop Making Sense” for additional select days this week. I highly, HIGHLY, suggest going if you can.
We’ll let you know what we hear about the remaster getting a physical release, and when we’re likely to see that 40th anniversary tribute album.
