But what is dealt with in much more detail is his growing sense of isolation, coping with epilepsy as the pressures of touring build up, and the distraught domestic relations he is embroiled in with wife Debbie (Samantha Morton) and romantic-interest-from-afar Annik (Alexandra Maria Lara). "I wish I were a Warhol silkscreen, hanging on the wall," he muses. Control uses Curtis' love of poetry, as well as the more familiar songs-that-tell-a-story device, to provide at least scant insight into the music. It is based on the biography of his widow. Control covers a period from his schooldays to his end in 1980 (aged 23). Recognition in the music biz (especially by other musicians) was perhaps even greater after the death of lead singer, Ian Curtis. So why is this different? Joy Division, for non-initiates, were a post-punk Manchester band of throbbing guitars and dark, doom-laden lyrics. And films made by ex music video directors about yet another load of rockers rarely raise eyebrows. Joy Division, a respected band of the 70s, are hardly a name on everyone's lips. Fans will enjoy the film because many know that the remaining member went on to form New Order, but not much is known about Curtis.Ĭontrol, which was co-produced by Curtis’s widow, Deborah Curtis, helps the audience to know and feel compassion for the troubled rock-star who helped usher in the late ’70s post-punk movement.Ĭontrol is playing at the Broadway Centre Theater in Salt Lake City.Control, a biopic about a band from Manchester, is getting serious attention from around the world. Whether a fan of Joy Division or not, Control will entertain all who enjoy biopics.
Riley also manages to capture Curtis’s signature baritone, Jim Morrison like singing style. Ian Curtis’s character is well played by actor Sam Riley, who looked eerily similar to the legend. The fate of the characters leaves many astonished and confused. The demand for him to perform, increasing fame and his deteriorating marriage start to weigh heavily upon Curtis.Īs one hears the somber, often despairing lyrics of Joy Division’s songs in the movie, the pain Curtis experienced becomes apparent. Curtis also begins to have an affair with a French journalist named Annik Honore (played by Alexandra Maria Lara). Epilepsy begins to beset him, sometimes while he is performing on-stage. While things are looking good for the band, things are not good with Ian Curtis.
And after attending a Sex Pistols concert with the other future members of Joy Division, a band is created, with him as their lead: Warsaw, later changed to the name Joy Division.Īfter writing hits such as "Transmission" and "She’s Lost Control," the band finds itself gaining increasing popularity, to the point of making television performances.
He meets a girl named Deborah (played by Samantha Morton) through a friend, and takes her to a David Bowie concert.Ĭurtis marries her at the young age of 19. It starts by introducing Ian Curtis, who lives with his parents, works at a record shop and writes poetry.
The new movie Controltells the story and dark struggle of Joy Division’s front-man Ian Curtis-his difficulty coping with increasing fame, health struggles, and eventual suicide.ĭirected by Anton Corbijn, the movie is shot in black and white, which seems to fit with the tragic nature of the story. Even if you haven’t heard of the band Joy Division, you have heard their legacy in other bands: The Cure, U2, The Smashing Pumpkins, and NIN, to name a few, have all cited the group as a major influence on their music.