New Order: Decades

New Order: Decades is a mesmerizing documentary film that provides an intimate, often rare glimpse into the workings, history, and evolution of the influential British band New Order. Directed by Mike Christie, the film initially revolves around the process of creating and performing the band’s 2017 "So It Goes" show in Manchester, but gradually expands its narrative to reflect on the band’s four decades-long story. The film stars Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, who are the integral members of New Order and were also members of the iconic band Joy Division in the 70’s.

New Order: Decades isn't a conventional band documentary; it shies away from extensive talking head interviews or straightforward biographical detail. Instead, the film employs an entirely creative approach, partially framed by the band's collaboration with visual artist Liam Gillick, who worked with them for the "So It Goes" show. The band members are shown rehearsing with a 12-piece synthesizer team, forming an intriguing backdrop to the larger narrative – the confluence of music, art, and culture that New Order stands for.

The film beautifully juxtaposes the past and present of the band, revealing a fascinating, and often quite emotional narrative arc, providing both long-time fans and newcomers a new perspective about the members’ journey and their extraordinary contribution to the global music scene. As the film goes back and forth between the staging and rehearsing of the new show and the band's history, viewers get to immerse themselves in a layered narrative where art, identity, change and resilience interact mesmerizingly.

Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert all get individual screen time to share their experiences, anecdotes, and views on music and their unique brand of creativity. There are confessions, reflections, and a clear passion for their craft, offering viewers an unprecedented access to their views and ideas. Throughout the film, there are moments of humility, humor, and a deep-rooted dedication to the transformative power of music that make the narrative vivid and engaging.

A fascinating and significant part of the film is its recollection of Joy Division's history and New Order's emergence from its remains, most notably their struggle to forge a distinct identity in the early phase. As New Order's saga unfolds, the impact of their lead vocalist and lyricist Ian Curtis' untimely death on the band and its transformation is deeply explored.

The documentary uses rare archival footage, finding a blend of aesthetic quality and nostalgia. This adds an integral texture and depth, revealing the evolution of not just the band but also of the Manchester music scene, thus punctuating its narrative with broader cultural and historical references. Moreover, the music featured in the documentary is stupendously mixed, capturing the band’s highly unique and experimental electronic sound, that has captivated global audiences for years.

Additionally, one can observe the dynamics of the group's ever-changing line-ups, their relationship with legendary producer Martin Hannett, and the formation, rise and fall of their independent label, Factory Records. It is this historical excavation of the band's journey that reinforces their importance to the music world, especially considering they have reinvented themselves in the past four decades, continuously impacting and shaping musical trends.

Unlike its conventional counterparts, New Order: Decades wraps up its narrative with larger thematic battles - the struggle of losing and rebuilding, the introspective exploration of self-identity, and the fierce determination to keep creating. Despite these struggles and changes, the band members' enduring camaraderie is strongly resonant, adding a poignant texture to the whole film.

In essence, Mike Christie's New Order: Decades is a visually rich, aurally intoxicating, and sentimentally profound film that captures the essence of one of Britain’s most loved and globally influential bands. It's arty, offbeat, and flavorful – much like the iconic band it portrays. An absolute treat for music enthusiasts and admirers of the band, New Order: Decades positions itself less as a conventional documentary and more as a celebration of New Order's unique legacy, their lasting impact on the global music industry, and an intimate exploration of their fascinating journey through four decades of transformative music.