Library Rock's Backpages

24 Hour Party People: directed by Michael Winterbottom

Djuna Parnes, Rock's Backpages, May 2002

MUCH TO MY surprise, this self-serving cinematic essay about and around Anthony H. Wilson of Factory and Haçienda fame is a resounding success. It's extremely witty and engaging, and a sharp study of Madchester mores from Buzzcocks to Happy Mondays and beyond. Uncle Tony is played as an endearing pillock — Alan Partridge on drugs with a floppy fringe — but it works whether you like Steve Coogan or not. ("The biggest cunt in Manchester played by the second biggest cunt," grunted New Order's Hookie on hearing of the casting.)

Total word count of piece: 149

Subscribe

Becoming a member is easy. Membership gives you access to all the thousands of articles in the library.

Click here to go to Subscribe page.

Click here for academic and other group subscriptions.