24 Hour Party People

from Film Forum, 08/22/02

In Michael Winterbottom's comedy/documentary 24 Hour Party People, an ambitious television reporter named Tony Wilson (played by Steve Coogan) discovers a band called The Sex Pistols and rides their rising success to play a major part in the cultivation of a successful musical trend. The result is a comical look at the mid-'70s and the emergence of a group of successful bands including Joy Division and New Order.

Rather than discussing whether the film offers significant cultural commentary, Phil Boatwright says, "As for a review—I think the content will tell you all you need to know about this film." He goes on to list all of the occasions of documented swearing, drug use, and sexual activity.

Anne Navarro (Catholic News) says the movie "is not for everyone. Those who will most appreciate the film are fans of 1980s bands New Order, Happy Mondays, and Stone Roses. But many likely will not enjoy the acerbic comedy or attention-grabbing characters because of the irreverent and often depraved lifestyle portrayed in the film which spells out the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll excesses of the times in a defiant, in-your-face manner."