So, the first half of this film deals primarily with the formation and dissolution of Joy Division, probably one the 3 most important rock bands of the past 25 years. Really interesting stuff--particularly the character of Martin Hannett (played by Gollum himself, Andy Serkis), the psychotic music producer who revolutionized modern music. Also a great performance by the guy who played Ian Curtis--the suicide scene was exceptionally done. All in all, very well acted and directed.
The problem with the second half is that the music just isn't as good. Not that there wasn't great music being created after the end of Joy Division. The script just doesn't seem to want to focus on it. Why, for example, do we get all of two minutes spent talking about New Order, and an entire half-hour section of the film devoted to Happy Mondays? I mean, Happy Mondays was a pretty good band, but there is definitely a reason that you are able to choose Bizarre Love Triange on half the jukeboxes in New York, but will be pretty hard pressed to find a single track from Mondays.
Maybe I just don't like raves.
The problem with the second half is that the music just isn't as good. Not that there wasn't great music being created after the end of Joy Division. The script just doesn't seem to want to focus on it. Why, for example, do we get all of two minutes spent talking about New Order, and an entire half-hour section of the film devoted to Happy Mondays? I mean, Happy Mondays was a pretty good band, but there is definitely a reason that you are able to choose Bizarre Love Triange on half the jukeboxes in New York, but will be pretty hard pressed to find a single track from Mondays.
Maybe I just don't like raves.