It's a semi-true story as Coogan would himself tell the audience as he breaks down the 4th wall. In 1976 Manchester, TV presenter Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan) is risking his life hang gliding for silly Granada Reports and he's not happy about it. Then he is one of the 42 people to see the first Sex Pistols gig along with others like the kids in Joy Division. He would tout the overlooked music scene on his small show "So It Goes". He rents out a club to play his type of music on Fridays. He turns that into Factory Records where he signs up Joy Division among others. Joy Division would attract skinheads because of their Nazi inspired name. Lead singer Ian Curtis commits suicide just when the group is on the verge of their American tour. Tony continues with the creation of the infamous dance club The Hacienda.
The movie starts pretty funny with Coogan breaking down the 4th wall within the first 10 minutes. Ian Curtis becomes the second most important character in the movie. That's why his lost leaves a big hole in the emotional feel of the movie. It's like the comedic air is let out and the movie feels flattened. The funny is gone. The movie still works but it's just not as much fun.
The movie starts pretty funny with Coogan breaking down the 4th wall within the first 10 minutes. Ian Curtis becomes the second most important character in the movie. That's why his lost leaves a big hole in the emotional feel of the movie. It's like the comedic air is let out and the movie feels flattened. The funny is gone. The movie still works but it's just not as much fun.