Control- Film Review

Control  (2007)
Rating: ★★★★

Director: Anton Corbijn    Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton    Genre: Biographical, Drama 

"Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?"

For any real fans of Joy Division who haven't already heard of/seen this movie will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised, as it respectively investigates the tragic life of front man Ian Curtis and incorporates all their best music. 

For any "fans" of Joy Division, I strongly suggest giving it a watch to: A) learn more about the iconic band and B) be introduced to more (than one) of their songs. Thus, amassing knowledge that surpasses only knowing 1/2 the lyrics to 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. 

A brave performance by the lead Sam Riley as the legendary singer, with the uncanny resemblance and spot-on Curtis-esque stage presence, Riley is stand-out brilliant. 

Ian Curtis

Sam Riley

Directed by photographer-turned-director Anton Corbijn (who actually personally knows the remaining Joy Division members). Despite the entire film being shot in black and white, the colours of  Riley and Morton's performances and the solid script provide a more than an adequate substitute. 

As a Joy Division fan, one particular element I was happy made it into the film is Curtis' infamous dance (which due to his public suffering of epilepsy is now referred to as the 'epileptic dance'). Here is the real Ian Curtis vs. Sam Riley's depiction of the front man's iconic stage presence:
(Bare with, these are the shortest videos I could find...)

All in all, even if you are not familiar with or that particularly bothered about the life of Ian Curtis or even Joy Division, this film displays a variety of relatable themes. Including the pursuit of  dreams, the pressure that comes with responsibility and even the distracting nature of lust; Control is on the whole a film for many.

But particularly people with good music taste.