Control

My third film into the festival and the best one so far. I was completely blown away.

In a basic sense, Control is a biopic of the late lead singer Ian Curtis of Joy Division, whom at age 23, committed suicide at the height of the band’s short career. But the film delves much deeper than just a traditional look at the life of an artist. Director Anton Corbijn set himself a difficult task as his subject Curtis, has become somewhat mythologized in the eyes and hearts of fans. Corbijn successfully tells the supposed truth without demonishing any mythology surrounding Curtis while at the same time, does not elevate his status beyond a confused, and talented young man.

The film begins with Curtis- played by newcomer Sam Riley- as a high school student, young, with great hopes and dreams, and in love. A talented writer of poety, lyrics, and short stories, Curtis finds his niche when some friends are in need of a singer for their band. As Joy Division, the band gains some fame and begins touring England as Curtis leaves his wife and newborn daughter behind. Temptation and excess on the road take a toll on Curtis’ relationship with his wife Debbie (Samantha Morton) and his health begins to fail as he is diagnosed with a form of epilepsy. Forced to battle his demons on stage, Curtis is unable to sope with the pressures of being the famous rockstar his growing fanbase demands him to be and his own desire to be a better father and husband.

A tragic tale shot in beautiful black and white is the type of film only a seasoned photographer like Corbijn could make. Each frame of moving film stands on its own as a stunning photograph. Sam Riley, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the late frontman gives a gut wrenching performance. He personifies the tragic Curtis as someone you both loathe for his personal choices and empathize with the difficult choices he is faced with. A very tender and honest portrayal from someone I hope to see a lot more of in the future. Samantha Morton as Debbie, plays the neglected wife with fragility and love.

All the musical performances aside from “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, Joy Division’s biggest hit, are performed by Riley and the rest of the cast with uncanny accuracy. The basis of the plot is loosely adapted on Debbie’s memoir of the events surrounding the latter years of Ian Curtis’ life. It is also interesting to note that Corbijn himself photographed Joy Division on several occasions int he early 1980s, and according to the filmmaker in a live Q&A session, this film serves as the closing chapter to that part of his life as his work with Joy Division has now become full circle and he is ready to move on. In a screening of Control for the surviving band members (who went on to become New Order) Corbijn relayed that they had nothig but praise for this sensitive portrait of Ian Curtis.

One of the best biopics I have ever seen, Control should not be missed for its breathtaking art direction and affecting performances. By no means do you need to be a fan of Joy Division to enjoy this film.