Recently Watched: Control
Control directed by Anton Corbijn — Released in 2007, this film is a black and white biopic of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division who killed himself at the age of 23. The soundtrack, comprised mostly of Joy Division songs performed by the actors, is an unbelievable accompaniment to the powerful visual experience provided by 
the photographic talents of Anton Corbijn. Prior to viewing the film, I knew next-to-nothing about Joy Division. I was never exposed to their music, and though I had heard vague stories of the singer’s suicide, I recalled very little. For someone with this limited knowledge, the film literally knocked me on my ass. I was impressed by Sam Riley’s performance as Ian Curtis — He literally embodies the quirks, spirit and movements of the troubled singer: the awkward dancing, the poetic inclinations, the simultaneous sense of an outcast and a star. In fact, the character reminded me a little of Jim Morrison, particularly in his moody vocals. Hours after viewing the film, I was still awestruck with emotion. I am not suggesting it’s perfect — I do believe the movie is flawed. It calls upon this powerful story of suicide and provides us with only allusions as to the reasons why. Nonetheless, the discovery of this music, and the story, was, to me, inescapable.
4 responses so far
I thought the movie was brilliant. Someone described it saying each frame is a great picture, so when I watched it, I was looking for that, and it was very much true.
I don’t think the suicide was the story, and the suicide was a result of the medication he was on for epilepsy, which is really sad because it happens so often. Doctors just prescribe medicine, “Try this, and let’s see if it works.” It’s like Russian roulette.
Wow, reading this blog makes me want to watch the film and research the band!!
Cool! I’ll add it to my Netflix queue now.
i really want to watch this movie.
surprisingly (being the joy division fan that i am) have not seen it.