True Stories

Music icon David Byrne was inspired by tabloid headlines to make his sole foray into feature-film directing, an ode to the extraordinariness of ordinary American life. The Talking Heads front man plays a visitor to Virgil, Texas, who introduces us to the citizens of the town during preparations for its Celebration of Specialness. As shot by cinematographer Ed Lachman, Texas becomes a hyperrealistic late-capitalist landscape of endless vistas, shopping malls, and prefab buildings. In True Stories, Byrne uses songs to stitch together pop iconography, voodoo rituals, and a singular variety show—all in the service of uncovering the mysteries that lurk under the surface of everyday experience.



Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of David Byrne

Credits

Director:

David Byrne

Executive Producer:

Edward Pressman

Producer:

Karen Murphy

Screenwriter:

Stephen Tobolowsky, Beth Henley, David Byrne

Cinematographer:

Ed Lachman

Editor:

Caroline Biggerstaff

Production Designer:

Barbara Ling

Sound Designer:

Leslie Shatz

Music:

Talking Heads

Principal Cast:

David Byrne, John Goodman, Jo Harvey Allen, Swoozie Kurtz, Spalding Gray, Annie McEnroe, Roebuck "Pops" Staples

Additional Credits:

Costume Design: Elizabeth McBride, Fashion Show Costumes: Adelle Lutz, Casting Director: Victoria Thomas, Texas Production Associate: Christina Patoski

Contact

Distributor:

Warner Bros Home Entertainment
kim@criterion.com

Public Film Contact:

Kim Hendrickson
The Criterion Collection
kim@criterion.com
212-756-8775

Publicity Contact:

Courtney Ott
courtney@cineticmedia.com
917-849-9235

Primary Access
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Secondary Access
Music Badge
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Runtime:
89:04 mins