Review of 24 Hour Party People (2002) by Skippy M — 08 Dec 2007
Steve Coogan is entertaining but this is a pretty mixed bag. Despite what Coogan's character says about midway through (that the movie is about the music, not Tony Wilson), the movie really can't decide what it's about.
The first 30 min. sets up Wilson's character, then just about drops him entirely to focus on Joy Division, then the last hour is a muddled blur spanning too many years and musicians for any characters or stories to stand out.
Coogan's wordplay is great; my favorite parts of the movie were his verbal sparring with Rob Brydon-- though for that you might as well watch TRISTRAM SHANDY instead; that movie also does a better job of being self-referential.
Winterbottom's direction is frequently annoying, since even quiet scenes are filmed in a manic, jittery handheld style that was giving me a headache by the end of the movie.
This review of 24 Hour Party People (2002) was written by Skippy M on 08 Dec 2007.
24 Hour Party People has generally received very positive reviews.
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