Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

24 Hour Party People
2002
***
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Cast: Steve Coogan, Paddy Considine, Andy Serkis, Shirley Henderson

An enjoyable comedy about the Madchester music scene from the late 70s to the early 90s, when bands such as Joy Division, Stone Roses and Happy Mondays broke through. The film is "hosted" by Tony Wilson, an idealistic club and record label owner. It's a fascinating peek into pop music history but ultimately a very familiar story of ambition and talent squandered by drugs and overindulgence.