Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The essential Dire Straits album, August 3, 2000
By A Customer
Although it produced no hit singles, "Making Movies" is beyond question Dire Straits' masterpiece. Mark Knopfler's ripping guitar forms the backdrop for seven beautiful, haunting, fiercely personal cuts. Every song perfectly captures a deep human emotion, from the bitter heartache of "Romeo And Juliet" to the angry defiance of "Solid Rock" to the steamy lustfulness of "Expresso Love". There are no weak songs, though the bouncy and playful "Les Boys", which ends the album, seems a bit out of place compared to the six deadly earnest songs that precede it.Yes, the album owes a heavy debt of gratitude to Springsteen, with many cuts building on the Boss's signature guitar/organ/piano framework. But, Knopfler's vocal delivery and deft guitar work, plus the band's sparser and cleaner arrangements, never allow you to forget that you're listening to Dire Straits. Only "Tunnel Of Love", which sounds like a cross between "Thunder Road" and "Sandy" strays a little too far into Bruce's territory but for that the boys can be forgiven. One tip: this album must be heard in its entirety to be fully appreciated. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, something that no greatest hits album can ever duplicate.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Masterpiece, February 7, 2003
This is not only my favorite Dire Straits recording, it is one of my favorite rock CD's of all time. Never has Mark Knopfler's guitar work been more passionate. Never have his lyrics been more poetic. Never have his vocals been more emotive. "Tunnel of Love" has an unforgettable melody, dreamlike lyrics, and a haunting guitar that add up to one of the greatest songs ever. "Romeo and Juliet" tells a heartbreaking story, told perfectly thanks to Knopfler's dead-on vocals. Not a weak song to be found in this masterpiece.
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eighties Epic still fresh today, April 17, 2000
Mark Knophler's 1980 classic 'Making Movies' signaled a positive change in direction for this extraordinary guitarist and songwriter. David Knophler checks out on this one and is never missed. On this album, Mark Knophler moved away from the heavy blues influences that prevailed on the 'Dire Straits' and 'Communique' and created simply the greatest 5-song Rock'n'Roll Love Ballad ever recorded.
'Tunnel of Love' takes you to a familiar place with tasteful and riveting guitar interwoven with the message of love and passion. As if that is not enough, 'Romeo and Juliet' played entirely over a classical guitar melody brings to life the tale of two lovers vexed by time and circumstance. I can only think of Westside Story when I hear this again and again. There is no tiring of this song. 'Skateaway' and 'Expresso Love' continue this familiar lyrical theme with seductive harmonies and guitar licks at every turn. When I hear 'Solid Rock', you wonder if it really is Bob Dylan Singing!
The first 5 tracks on the LP/CD are arguably the most passionately executed love songs put to vinyl (or whatever) that I can ever remember. Maybe only Van Morrison rivals Knopler's ability to pen and play remarkable love ballads. If you are in love, this CD will move you to tears. If you are not, it will make you wish you were.
One often-forgotten notable on this LP/CD is Roy Bittan. His extraordinary piano accompaniment on each of these tracks is as integral as Knophler's guitar. If ever a session musician had a fundamental impact on the sound of a recording, it is here with Roy Bittan. Familiar to Springsteen fans, his piano accompaniment adds so much color to each track and compliments Knophler in a natural, beautiful way. To take him out of this recording, it would sound hollow and incomplete.
The only downer on this album is the final track 'Les Boys.' I am sure Knophler wishes he could have replaced this one with anything else. It completely does not fit with the perfection of the other 6 songs. Who knows what he was thinking with this song.
This album, while not initially a commercial success, has aged so well that it continues to be as fresh now as it was 20+ years ago.
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by Dire Straits 
