Review of 24 Hour Party People (2002) by Emma A — 25 Jan 2009

A thoroughly post modern film using a method now well worn by other musical bio-pics where the subject talks directly to the audience and views the narritive as an outsider. "Party People", however, uses it to the best effect with Steve Coogan playing Tony Wilson (and channeling Alan Partrige once more) the founder of Factory Records with a staggering array of British talent fleshing out the main figures of the New Wave scene in Manchester.

At once a genuine biography of Wilson's frankly bizarre career and a comedy that takes advantage of the insanity of the Hacienda and the Mad-chester scene in the late 70s and 80s. Winterbottom's direction seemlessly fits into the stock footage of the time and the cast are clearly having a ball playing batsarse rock stars.

Particular highlights though are Chris Eccleston's cameo and the "deliverence" of Bez to the Happy Mondays...