24 Hour Party People

This true story of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll is a vibrant homage to Tony Wilson, credited with beginning rave/DJ culture at his Manchester, England club, The Factory. Wilson was a television newscaster for Granada TV who had a weekly show on music where he featured the hottest acts in Great Britain. Wilson was among the first people to see The Sex Pistols - his ear for hot music was astounding. Wilson transfered his love for the music into a business and became the defacto manager for Joy Division, Happy Mondays. He subsequently went on to open The Factory and then Hacienda in the same space. Wilson was a wildly eccentric manager who cared less about contracts and dollars and more about the music and crowd. While the clubs were packed, they never made a penny and he lost his successful acts because he never had a written deal. According the film, Hacienda "was the first time the audience applauded the medium rather than the music." Hacienda was wildly successful, people came from all over England to party. What they didn't do was buy drinks - they bought Ecstasy - whose sales didn't profit the club. The ravers were happy, but the place couldn't sustain itself.

With a positively vibrating soundtrack, great cinematography, appealing cast and clever script, 24 Hour Party People makes for excellent viewing even for non-fans of the music. If you are a fan, this one is essential.

Scott Cranin