24hr party people

24hr party people is a film based on facts about Tony Wilson, the founder of Factory Records, and his influence in the Manchester music scene.

Review by Beth, from Australia, on 25-May-2008

24hr Party people is a clever and witty film based on the true story of the rise of dance music in Manchester around 1980.
It is told and part narrated through the eyes of Tony Wilson-the founder of Factory records with bands such as Joy Division and Happy Mondays to its name.

Tony, inspired by a sex pistols gig, dedicated himself into making a venue for inspiring musicians to play at. It follows the rise and falls of the bands, the producers, Tony himself, and most importantly the music.

This film gives a great sense of pop culture in 1980s Manchester. The movie revolves around the music, the characters are not single handedly focused on, so it doesn't feel like another boring movie about fame and fortune.

The scenes often vary between Tony talking to the camera, and part imagination, in a comical clever fashion. I thought it gave the movie extra added interest.
The camera captures the underground music scene of Manchester as you follow Tony on his adventure to success.

The music of this film is urban 80s, popular rock, indie and dance. Bands such as Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, The Clash, and ofcourse Joy Division (New Order) and Happy Mondays. Music for the city, from the city Manchester.

Tonys character was one I liked, you could see he was perfect for the job, even with how arragant and serious he could be, he showed a sassy sense of humour, which engaged the audience in laughing with him.
The rest of the cast, played by well known British actors, were acurate in their performances, from the dealers to the band members to the girlfriends and the producers, and the very tight group of friends that Tony worked with.

This film looked predictable at first, a movie about music and drugs. After watching it I've discovered a deep apriciation for that early music scene and culture in Manchester during the 80s. The movie is still about music and drugs, but it goes to prove that there's more behind it, and when it started it was really something.