Stop Making Sense (1984 Documentary)

Stop Making Sense (1984 Documentary)

Author: Awesome Movie Year December 9, 2020 Duration: 1:16:44

The fifth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1984 features our pick for the year’s most notable documentary, Jonathan Demme’s Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense. Directed by Jonathan Demme, Stop Making Sense captured Talking Heads performances over four nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater and is often considered the greatest concert movie ever made.

The contemporary reviews quoted in this episode come from Roger Ebert (https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/stop-making-sense-1984), Pauline Kael in The New Yorker, and Paul Attanasio in The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1984/11/02/the-sense-of-psycho-rock/2b154dde-cd3e-4f2d-acc0-bf348f0e6df6/).

Our special guest in this episode is Eric Gladstone, former music journalist and author of the forthcoming book Anything But Nirvana: The Other Alt Rock Legends of the 90s.

Please like, share, rate and comment on the show and this episode, and tune in for the next 1984 installment featuring Josh’s personal pick, Thom Eberhardt’s Night of the Comet.


Ever wonder what makes a particular year in cinema truly stand out? Awesome Movie Year digs into that very question, one remarkable film at a time. Co-hosted by film critic Josh Bell alongside filmmaker and comedian Jason Harris, this podcast picks a single, noteworthy year each season and meticulously explores what made it so special. Rather than broad overviews, every episode zooms in on a different movie from that chosen year, offering a deep dive into its impact, its cultural moment, and its lasting legacy. The conversations blend critical analysis with a genuine love for the medium, thanks to the hosts' complementary backgrounds. Produced by David Rosen of Piecing It Together for the All Points West Podcast Network, the show has a polished yet conversational feel. You’ll hear about blockbusters and hidden gems alike, all through the lens of why they mattered then and why they still resonate. It’s for anyone who loves to look beyond the screen and understand the context that creates a classic. Tune in to Awesome Movie Year for a thoughtful and engaging tour through some of cinema’s most fascinating periods.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 375

Awesome Movie Year
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