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Stop Making Sense

1984·Movie
1h 28min·PG
92
ExcellentGoodWatch score
IMDb8.7Metacritic948.7Rotten Tomatoes100%97%
IMDb8.7Metacritic948.7Rotten Tomatoes100%97%

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Stop Making Sense fingerprint

Stunning style, high energy, no humor.

Energy

Spectacular and fast-paced

Fast from start to finish.

  • Spectacle8
  • Fast Pace7
  • Adrenaline5

Heart

Hopeful and wondrous

  • Hopefulness7
  • Wonder7
  • Wholesome6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy2
  • Physical Comedy2

World

Show business and pop culture

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Rewatchability6
  • Novelty6

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Direction7
  • Acting7
  • Intrigue5

Style

Standout score, visual style, and cinematography

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Music Centrality10
  • Music Composition9
  • Visual Stylization9

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

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Visually Stunning movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Why stop making sense? Why a movie? Why a big suit? Where do the odd movements come from? What will the band do next?

A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.
Concert FilmNew Wave MusicEnergetic PerformanceVisually CreativeIconic BandMusic-DrivenArtistic CinematographyUpbeat & JoyfulEighties Style

Crew

Directed by:
Jonathan Demme, Joe Viola, Michael Looney
Written by:
Jonathan Demme
Produced by:
Gary Goetzman, Charles Myers, Gary Kurfirst
Composed by:
Jonathan Demme, Gary Goetzman, David Byrne

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Stop Making Sense

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Stop Making Sense legally?

HBO Max

Stop Making Sense is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Stop Making Sense worth watching?

92
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 93/100 (IMDb 8.7, Rotten Tomatoes 100%, and Metacritic 94). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Stop Making Sense rated?

PG

It's rated PG in the United States.

How long is Stop Making Sense?

1 h 28 min

Stop Making Sense runs 1 h 28 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Stop Making Sense?

Critics97
Audiences90

Yes. Critics average 97 and audiences 90 out of 100, so both groups see Stop Making Sense much the same way.

Was Stop Making Sense a box office hit?

Budget$1 million
Box office$12 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $1 million to make and earned $12 million worldwide, 10.4 times its budget.

What language is Stop Making Sense in?

EnglishFrench

It was made in English, with some French. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Stop Making Sense?

27ATAUBEBRCACHCYDEDKESFIFRGBGG+13

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Stop Making Sense in 27 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Stop Making Sense use?

Bilingual BonusEpileptic Flashing LightsGone Horribly RightEverything Has RhythmDavid ByrneRearrange the SongTalking HeadsLampshade HangingChiaroscuroThe OnerShout-OutDiegetic Switchand 29 more

TV Tropes lists 41 storytelling tropes for Stop Making Sense, including Bilingual Bonus, Epileptic Flashing Lights, Gone Horribly Right.