Dire Straits' third album, "Making Movies", is the darkest and, at the same time, most reflective work of the band led by Mark Knopfler. With somewhat introspective ideas, they imbued the music with a series of astonishing nuances, making it clear that Knopfler himself, with his poignant sensitivity, could leave even the most discerning listener speechless with melodramatic themes. This is also the period in which Knopfler himself became a troubadour and novelist, and despite not being a great singer, he could suggest and express a great deal with his peculiar voice, with that laconic way of singing that, while he sang, told stories.
The first song to emerge from this album is none other than “Tunnel of Love”, a spectacular eight-minute track and perhaps the best composition of Knopfler's entire career. It's also one of the most monumental songs in rock music, eight minutes brimming with evocative instrumental passages, tempo changes, and a catchy, agile melody, all bathed in Knopfler's voice, which envelops and envelops every phrase. Yet, beneath it all lies a great deal of irony about relationships and passion.
The fragile and innocent “Romeo and Juliet” is both captivating and sweet.
The following track, “Skateaway”, seems to lessen the emotional weight of the previous two with its direct and somewhat carefree sound. Halfway through the album comes another highlight with the catchy and infectious "Expresso Love", a clear statement of intent from Mark Knopfler foreshadowing what would come a few years later with his acclaimed "Brothers in Arms". Following the folk-tinged, Dylan-esque "Hand in Hand", comes "Solid Rock", where the band abandons their typically British reserve and restraint to unleash a powerful track very much in the arena-rock vein. The album concludes with the melancholic and tranquil "Les Boys", which brings to a close an album that outsold its predecessor, "Communiqué", achieving half a dozen platinum records, although still falling short of the commercial impact of their enormous and superb 1978 debut.
