From Joy Division and New Order to The Happy Mondays and beyond. A riotous semi-fictional retrospective of the story behind much of the best music of the last two decades. Winterbottom follows Tony Wilson through an amazing tale, the likes of which we're unlikely to see again. Eschewing a consistent narrative thread, the film nevertheless creates a wonderful sense of events that is a testament to the filmmaker's great skill.
Anyone with more than a passing interest in British music needs to see 24 Hour Party People. Although the current British pop industry seems content to churn out anody... more >
Anyone with more than a passing interest in British music needs to see 24 Hour Party People. Although the current British pop industry seems content to churn out anodyne, indistinguishable junk, this film is a reminder of the quality music that was once produced by the famous Factory Records label. Steve Coogan plays Tony Wilson, who created the label that went on to launch the careers of Joy Division, New Order, James and The Happy Mondays, amongst others. The intentionally haphazard narrative jumps back and forth in time, exhilaratingly showing how Wilson met the bands (any of the scenes involving the uncontrollable Happy Mondays are hilarious highlights), and it is fascinating to see the iconic musicians being impersonated on screen (Sean Harris’ tragic Ian Curtis is particularly uncanny). A biting script brimming with postmodern irony, a fantastic soundtrack and a generous dose of celebrity cameos (Peter Kay and Andy “Gollum” Serkis among them) make this a hugely enjoyable nostalgia trip. < less
