Is Record On: New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Record On: New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies, a standout production of 2023, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Featuring interviews with New Order's Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, Record On: Power, Corruption and Lies unravels the creative process behind New Order's 1983 album, Power, Corruption and Lies as well as standalone single Blue Monday and explores the themes inside the album, of a band finding new direction and moving on from its past. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Featuring interviews with New Order's Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, Record On: Power, Corruption and Lies unravels the creative process behind New Order's 1983 album, Power, Corruption and Lies as well as standalone single Blue Monday and explores the themes inside the album, of a band finding new direction and moving on from its past. Taking inspiration for their evolving sound from New York's new-wave clubs of the early 1980s and newly acquired sequencers and keyboards, electronic instrumentation quickly drove New Order's songwriting process, conceiving global smash-hit Blue Monday. This film also explores the impact of the technological shifts that took place in the early 1980s as the digital-age began to percolate through all parts of society - from commerce and financial trading, to offices and home entertainment; with contributions from graphic designer Peter Saville, Blue Monday producer Michael Johnson and American record producer Arthur Baker."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Bernard Sumner is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Bernard Sumner captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by David Barnard is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 70 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Record On: New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Record On: New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and David Barnard respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Record On: New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Bernard Sumner or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Record On: New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.