Control, the deeply moving story of the late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, based on the book “Touching from a Distance” by his wife Deborah, had a relatively low-key cinema release, lurking in independent picture houses and allowed only a showing or two in most multiplexes, which is a shame because many people, myself included, missed seeing the starkly beautiful black and white photography on the big screen. Thankfully, the dvd release has been far more widespread, and what a treat waits for those who pick up a copy.
Shot in stunning monochrome reminiscent of some of the finest rock portraits and featuring a gorgeous array of 70s and early 80s music (including David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks, and of course Joy Division themselves) the film has all the style of a trendy art movie with plenty of substance to match. Newcomer Sam Riley is a revelation as Curtis, giving a very moving but very realistic portrayal of a gifted man tormented by depression, epilepsy and the drugs he needs to overcome them. Looking spookily like the singer, his imitations of Curtis' famous onstage performances are uncanny. The rest of the cast are equally adept, Samantha Morton gives an extremely powerful performance as Deborah Curtis, and although the films ultimate climax is hardly unexpected, it remains painful to watch.
Even if you are not a great fan of Joy Division, heaven forbid, this is a film not to be missed, powerful and tragic but not without humor, pathos and all the excitement of the music industry.
