Jul 11 2008
Film Review: Control
Director: Anton Corbijn
Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton
Grade: B-
Anton Corbijn’s film Control shows us the brief life of Joy Division’s lead singer, Ian Curtis. Joy Division was a punk band which formed in the late 70s. The film takes us from the band’s beginnings in Manchester, England to living the life of known rock stars. Curtis is portrayed as dark and independent person that has a constant conflict with himself. After being diagnosed with Epilepsy, his life becomes more complicated. Curtis marries Deborah and they both have a child at a young age. Although Curtis is a father, he never really seemed to love his baby girl. He later begins to drift apart from his family. While on tour Ian meets Annik, who becomes his mistress. After confusion between his two relationships and the music his band is making, Ian Curtis commits suicide at age 23.
Director Anton Corbijn showed us the pain that Ian was feeling. He loved two women, he was a terrible father, and his band was going places that he didn’t want to go. Ian had not intention on going on tours to the U.S., he did not want to be a rock star. As the film progressed, we saw the pain in his mannerisms and his voice while he was onstage. His inner sadness caused him to take his own life. The black and white color of the film complemented the mood of the film perfectly. A color film would not have done this film justice.
From a story standpoint, it was tough to follow the timeline of the film. Corbijn never really gave us a chance to be introduced to Ian Curtis. Due to the lack of a story line, Ian Curtis’ demise at the end of the film was not that shocking. This film did not reach it’s maximum potential.
