It's about Tony Wilson -- record label The Factory owner, TV show host, nightclub The Hacienda founder and manager, and journalist. Mr. Manchester brought the town to cult level status by backing such famous bands as Joy Division, Happy Mondays, A Certain Ratio, and The Durutti Column. His label combined with his club helped produce the New Wave and punk rock scene, dubbed "Madchester."
Wilson never made money off his lucrative establishments.
The movie does a good job of capturing the humor and frustration of the time. From Ian Curtis' suicide to Shaun Ryder's drug addiction, the story ultimately isn't about anyone in particular. As Coogan as Wilson states, "I'm a minor player in my own life story." The story is about music.
