The lowdown: '24 Hour Party People' is a documentary-style film that chronicles the Manchester music and dance scene 
from the mid-70s to the mid-90s, including the sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. Steve Coogan plays Tony Wilson, a TV presenter
who establishes a seminal record label called Factory Records after attending a Sex Pistols concert.  Factory Records signs
up bands such as Happy Monday and Joy Division. Wilson eventually establishes a famous (or should that be infamous) 
nightclub called the Hacienda. The film makes extensive use of hand-held cameras and the actors often talk directly to the 
camera, and sometimes even step out of character.

Christopher Eccleston has a very brief cameo as a homeless person who shares a few seconds of screen time with Coogan
and discussing the philosophies of Boethius. He is not included in the closing credits of the film, although he does get a mention
in the 'With Special Thanks To' montage prior to the credits.

The verdict: An interesting film that looks at a pivotal era in the music industry, although it may be of limited interest to
people who are not familar with Factory Records, the bands and the music of the of the time. Indeed, it is probably most
of interest to people who were there at the time. The film-making style may also not be to some people's tastes, but if you
like the music of this era you should enjoy this film.

Trivia: The film was directed by Michael Winterbottom, who also directed the 1996 film 'Jude', which starred Christopher
Eccleston.
 
  Video Clips:
The homeless philosopher  (1.8mb)


           More pictures from '24 Hour Party People'

 
 
 
 
 

 
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