24 Hour Party People

Aroview: A serio-comic music industry biopic about one Tony Wilson, founder of the legendary Factory record label and the Hacienda Club, that provides a post-modernist spin on music mythology and a welcome flashback to the British post-punk and ‘Madchester’ rave scenes of the 80s and 90s.

Less about party people (the title is a ‘Happy Mondays’ song) than the distractions of an unlikely entrepreneur and figurehead, much rests on the shoulders of comedian Steve Coogan, who commands a guided tour of Wilson’s personal history, and his history of pop. Vivid and lively like any good music film should be, even if, like Wilson himself, it eventually gives up the dance before the party completely winds up.

As well as actors playing pop-stars, its many ‘authentic’ cameo appearances include Mark E. Smith, Howard Devoto. Music by Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Buzzcocks.

NZ International Film Festival 2002

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