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