Meaning: The quote in question is from Jonathan Demme, a highly respected film director known for his work on a wide range of genres, including documentaries and performance films. In this quote, Demme is expressing his perspective on two specific films, "Storefront Hitchcock" and "Stop Making Sense," suggesting that he does not consider them to be documentaries, but rather performance films.

"Storefront Hitchcock" is a 1998 film directed by Demme that features the British singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock performing live in a small storefront in New York City. The film captures Hitchcock's unique musical style and quirky stage presence, blending it with intimate interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Through this film, Demme aimed to showcase the raw energy and creativity of Hitchcock's live performances, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

On the other hand, "Stop Making Sense" is a groundbreaking concert film directed by Demme that documents the iconic new wave band Talking Heads during their 1983 tour. The film is renowned for its innovative approach to capturing live music, as it gradually builds the stage set and incorporates inventive camera work to mirror the band's evolving performance. By seamlessly blending concert footage with artistic visuals, Demme sought to convey the essence of a live Talking Heads show, making the audience feel as if they were part of the experience.

In both "Storefront Hitchcock" and "Stop Making Sense," Demme employs a distinct visual and narrative style that goes beyond traditional documentary filmmaking. Rather than presenting a straightforward account of the artists' lives or careers, he focuses on capturing the essence of their live performances and the emotional impact of their music on the audience. This approach aligns with Demme's belief that these films should be categorized as performance films rather than documentaries.

Demme's distinction between documentaries and performance films raises interesting questions about the nature of capturing live music and performance art on film. While documentaries typically aim to provide an objective and comprehensive portrayal of their subjects, performance films prioritize the sensory and emotional experience of the live performance itself. By emphasizing the immersive and transformative qualities of live music, performance films like "Storefront Hitchcock" and "Stop Making Sense" offer a unique perspective on the intersection of music, film, and art.

Moreover, Demme's perspective challenges traditional genre classifications and encourages viewers to approach these films with a broader understanding of their artistic intentions. By reframing the discussion around these works as performance films, he invites audiences to engage with the films on a more experiential level, focusing on the visceral impact of the live performances rather than purely informational or historical content.

In conclusion, Jonathan Demme's quote provides valuable insight into his creative approach to capturing live music and performance art on film. By categorizing films like "Storefront Hitchcock" and "Stop Making Sense" as performance films rather than documentaries, Demme encourages audiences to appreciate the immersive and transformative qualities of these works. Through his innovative visual and narrative techniques, Demme redefines the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, offering a fresh perspective on the power of live music and performance art in the cinematic realm.