Post by joesnuff on Sept 3, 2002 0:14:35 GMT -5
This.... now, THIS is my kind of film. My best cinematic experience in a long time.
I caught the late showing on a whim last night because I knew it had something to do with Joy Division as well as the Hacienda. I recommend this film. Even though it is limited release and require a bit of a drive to see in your area, for it's independent spirit, the intriguing subject matter which has direct bearing on the beginnings of rave culture, and some really authentic characters who hold your attention more than anything else for the two hours. Especially the main character, Tony Wilson, and his intentions to bring cool music to the masses. Tony was there on the historical night of the Sex Pistol's first performance in Manchester. The energetic performance inspired him to do something about the state of late seventies popular music. His plan would unfold over the next two decades, permanently put Manchester on the musical map and, through the bands and venues he looks after, seemed to single-handedly direct the future of all worthwhile alt / pop / electronic music to this day.
Plus there's some funny scenes of Joy Division's first experiences in the studio. Peter Hook first got railed by the producer for playing his now distinctive and universally recognizable bass style (both in JD and New Order), being told in a cordial Manchester manner that he "wears the bass very well but should play like a real f***ing musician. "
The wild side of living in post-punk-explosion club circuits and lifestyles is given a fair amount of screen time. But this isn't Trainspotting - the addictions don't get center stage. They were a constant reality and it's not always clear for the audience how much the drugs led to other self-destructive inclinations, or vice versa.
The self-deprecating, matter-of-fact air of this documentary film, centering on the narration of Tony Wilson, is at times part of the story. What I mean is that Tony is walking through his own film as if it's another one of his own on-location documentary "So it Goes" TV episodes. Sometimes taking a break from the acting of a scene, he turns to the camera and say something like, "Well, not everyone remembers it happening this way. But when it comes to choosing between the real event and the legend, go with the legend I always say." The real Tony Wilson was a consultant for the film, so I can only imagine he approved of such vague-ness to the historicity of some parts.
And finally, and most appropriately, there appears to be a scene in the Hacienda night club with Sasha in the DJ booth.
I caught the late showing on a whim last night because I knew it had something to do with Joy Division as well as the Hacienda. I recommend this film. Even though it is limited release and require a bit of a drive to see in your area, for it's independent spirit, the intriguing subject matter which has direct bearing on the beginnings of rave culture, and some really authentic characters who hold your attention more than anything else for the two hours. Especially the main character, Tony Wilson, and his intentions to bring cool music to the masses. Tony was there on the historical night of the Sex Pistol's first performance in Manchester. The energetic performance inspired him to do something about the state of late seventies popular music. His plan would unfold over the next two decades, permanently put Manchester on the musical map and, through the bands and venues he looks after, seemed to single-handedly direct the future of all worthwhile alt / pop / electronic music to this day.
Plus there's some funny scenes of Joy Division's first experiences in the studio. Peter Hook first got railed by the producer for playing his now distinctive and universally recognizable bass style (both in JD and New Order), being told in a cordial Manchester manner that he "wears the bass very well but should play like a real f***ing musician. "
The wild side of living in post-punk-explosion club circuits and lifestyles is given a fair amount of screen time. But this isn't Trainspotting - the addictions don't get center stage. They were a constant reality and it's not always clear for the audience how much the drugs led to other self-destructive inclinations, or vice versa.
The self-deprecating, matter-of-fact air of this documentary film, centering on the narration of Tony Wilson, is at times part of the story. What I mean is that Tony is walking through his own film as if it's another one of his own on-location documentary "So it Goes" TV episodes. Sometimes taking a break from the acting of a scene, he turns to the camera and say something like, "Well, not everyone remembers it happening this way. But when it comes to choosing between the real event and the legend, go with the legend I always say." The real Tony Wilson was a consultant for the film, so I can only imagine he approved of such vague-ness to the historicity of some parts.
And finally, and most appropriately, there appears to be a scene in the Hacienda night club with Sasha in the DJ booth.