Film Review: CONTROL

I have to admit, the band Joy Division slipped by me, since I was two when they emerged out of the punk music scene in 1973. The semi-biographical movie “Control,” centered on the life of singer Ian Curtis, was directed by Anton Corbijn, who has directed music videos for Nirvana and Metallica, and also shot the famous U2’s “The Joshua Tree” album cover. The story, shot almost entirely in black and white, captures the essence of Ian Curtis (played by Sam Riley) from the perspective of a young man struggling in the social norm of his environment, near Manchester, England. His prospect on life was rather bland, marrying very young and holding a desk job. That was until he met some buddies at a Sex Pistols concert who were looking for a singer/frontman. Perhaps some inner voice compelled him to join what would soon become the Joy Division, setting in motion an ascent into relative fame and his ultimate date with Destiny, but what comes to life on screen is the true in life drama of a man falling to pieces. Corbijn, who collaborated with Ian Curtis’ widow, Deborah Curtis, delivers the riveting story without seams, engaging the audience with dark, cold imagery. Ian Curtis dealt with epilepsy, drug abuse, infidelity, and an inevitable divorce that was too much for him to handle. Corbijn has masterfully pieced together the story of Joy Division in this brilliant film with fine actors and a wonderful script. A must see for music lovers who often have misconception about what it’s like to be a rockstar.