24 Hour Party People (2002)

Genre: Comedy / Drama

Directed by: Michael Winterbottom

Cast: Steve Coogan, Paddy Considine, Andy Serkis

Running time: 117 minutes

Inspired by true events, rumors and urban legends, 24 Hour Party People tells the story of the music business in Manchester, England, from the late 70’s to the early 90’s, as seen through the eyes of Tony Wilson, a news reporter and the head of Fantasy Records. It is a tale of music, of big dreams and of mismanagement.

This is a film that does not take itself seriously. From the start, narrator Tony Wilson, played brilliantly by Steve Coogan, lets you know what to expect. The fourth wall is often broken, and it is made clear that things may not have happened exactly as they are being portrayed in the movie.

I had seen this movie years ago and hated it; I probably did not get it. Now that I am more familiar with some of the bands, mentioned, such as The Sex Pistols, The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, New Order, and such, it was easier for me to get into it. Also, having seen the movie about the life of Ian Curtis, the late singer of Joy Division, who committed suicide at the age of 23, it was interesting to get a different perspective on things in regards to his short life and early demise.

24 Hour Party People will not be everyone’s cup of tea. The story is not told in a traditional cinematic way and we are constantly bombarded by fast-paced images and various colors. For traditionalists, it might be overly disconcerting. To me, it was a fresh and different way to look at things and quite a thrilling time of movie-watching.

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