Hang gliding, Granada Television, Tony Wilson, Sexual Intercourse, Ian Curtis, Guns,Drugs and suicide are just some of the reasons this is not a family film.
The character of Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan) doubles as narrator and main character early on down playing his role in the film by stating he is a minor character in his own story. The film is really about the birth and ultimately the death of Factory Records.
Based on real people, some sightly over exaggerated claims, some lies and some complete fantasy the film shows the progression from the post punk era in to the "Madchester" scene. Using somewhat unorthodox methods that break down the fourth wall and subvert the form of standard motion picture.
The film starts with Tony Harrison growing increasingly frustrated with his career in broadcasting by having to pander and humiliate himself in order to make a living. He decides to start a record Label or "A Social Experiment" and quickly signs Joy Division to a contract drawn up in his own blood.
Throughout the film Tony Wilson's narration guides us through certain key events leading up to the death of Factory Records including, the eventual demise of Joy Division with the death of Ian Curtis, the drug and gun fueled life of the Hacienda Night club and then the rebirth of Joy Division under the name of New order.
During the film we also learn how the Happy Mondays form and witness a crazy scene where Paul and Shaun Ryder put rat poison on bread and feed it to 3000 pigeons.
Some favorite characters include Rob Gretton Manager of Joy Division played by Paddy considine, Don Tonay played to perfection by Peter Kay, Andy Serkis as Producer Martin Hannett and Dave Gorman as John the post man.
With one of the best sound tracks in any film ever made there really is no reason why you haven't already seen this film multiple times.
