Control

Over the weekend I watched the film Control, which was just released on DVD. It explores the life of Ian Curtis, the frontman of Joy Division who committed suicide in 1980 just before the band was to embark on a US tour. Shot in black and white, it was directed by Anton Corbijn, a still photographer and director who photographed the band while they were still together. A telling photograph of Curtis taken by Corbijn is pictured above.

This film was stunning to watch, with each scene exquisitely framed and composed. The influence of Corbijn's experience as a still photographer was obvious and it was the strength of the film for me. The live performances and use of the band's music worked well overall, although a couple of scenes did veer into music video melodrama. The scene set to Love Will Tear Us Apart did not work for me at all. Perhaps it was related to my own emotional attachment to the song. I do recognize how challenging is must have been to work with the band's most well known and sacred track, although that scene just felt too staged and cliche. I might see it differently upon a second viewing.

Joy Division's evolution and Curtis' troubled personal relationships made for an intriguing story, although it's a less sympathetic portrayal of him than I expected. He comes off as a coward as much as he does a musical genius. Sam Riley does give an amazing performance as Curtis, really nailing his frenetic live performances. He is also rather easy on the eyes throughout! Visit this post at fourfour for some of the more beautiful stills. The film is based on the book Touching From a Distance, written by Curtis' widow Deborah Curtis (who also served as co-producer). Control was obviously informed by her experience of the events and how she was treated by her husband at the time. All biopics are some one's version of real people and events. This film really is a gorgeous version of Ian Curtis' story and a sobering tribute to his life. I'm now looking forward to the Joy Division documentary directed by Grant Gee to gain a wider view of the story of both the band and its tragic leader.