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
Podcast Episodes
1989 Epilogue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
In this epilogue to our season on the awesome movie year of 1989, we talk about alternate movies we considered including in all of our different categories this season, and read suggestions from some listeners about whic…
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989 Audience Choice) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In the finale of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989, we’re talking about this season’s audience choice pick, action sequel Lethal Weapon 2. Written by Jeffrey Boam, directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel G…
Gleaming The Cube (1989 Future Cult Classic) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The twelfth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989 features our future cult classic pick, teen skateboarding drama Gleaming the Cube. Written by Michael Tolkin, directed by Graeme Clifford and starring C…
UHF (1989 Dave’s Pick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:47
The eleventh episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989 features our producer David Rosen’s personal pick, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s UHF. Written by Yankovic and his longtime manager and music video director Jay…
Driving Miss Daisy (1989 Best Picture) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:07
The tenth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989 features the Best Picture Oscar winner, Driving Miss Daisy. Written by Alfred Uhry (based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play), directed by Bruce Beresford…
True Love (1989 Sundance Award Winner) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:14
The ninth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989 features the Grand Jury Prize winner from the Sundance Film Festival, Nancy Savoca’s True Love. Directed and co-written (with her husband Richard Guay) by…
When Harry Met Sally (1989 Jason’s Pick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
The eighth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989 features Jason’s personal pick, romantic comedy classic When Harry Met Sally. Written by Nora Ephron, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Billy Crystal,…
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989 Foreign Film) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:37
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Heathers (1989 Josh’s Pick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:27
The sixth episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 1989 features Josh’s personal pick, dark teen comedy Heathers. Written by Daniel Waters, directed by Michael Lehmann and starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slate…
Roger & Me (1989 Documentary) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:46
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