Rent 24 Hour Party People (2002)

Hilarious Comedy Docu-Drama - 24 Hour Party People review by GI

A comedy, social docu-drama that tells the story of the creation of Factory Records and the infamous Hacienda Club by Granada TV journalist Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan) who narrates the story, breaking the fourth wall in doing so, and documents the innovative music scene centred around Manchester from the late 70s to the early 90s. The film is also a stark look at a decrepit city beleaguered by drugs, violence and poverty. Above all this has a wonderful style and at times it's hilariously funny as well as shocking with its depictions of drug misuse and violence. Coogan plays Wilson as a naïve egotist, cowardly and hopeless as a businessman more obsessed with his own image. The film intermixes actual footage of the key bands of the time including The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, Joy Division, New Order and The Happy Mondays as well as having actors play key members of the bands. All the key characters are present and some of the real people pop up in cameos. The cast are impressive and include Paddy Considine, Peter Kay, Lennie James and Andy Serkis. You don't have to like the music or even remember the times to enjoy the zany style and clever structure of this film and it is entertaining throughout and the film acknowledges that some of the 'facts' may not be true. If you are a fan of these bands then this is a must see film.