05) Control
Directed by Anton Corbijn
Released in 2007
Control is the biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis and is one of the most impressive music films in recent years.
The film is directed by famous photographer Anton Corbijn, therefore, it's almost pointless to say just how beautiful it looks. Shot in a stark black and white, not a single frame of Control is wasted. Particularly gorgeous are the shots of Curtis and his wife, Debbie, as they stand in a smoky club awaiting a performance by David Bowie. Moreover, there is a fantastic moment where the singer is walking through the streets of Macclesfield in a jacket with 'Hate' painted across the back.
However, just because Corbijn is a photographer doesn't mean that Control is only a great film to look at; it's also a fascinating insight into the mind of Ian Curtis which, unlike any number of Hollywood biopics, never attempts to explain every little detail of its main character to the audience. Instead, you are to draw your own conclusions as to the way he acts and why he changes over the course of the film. Is it his fear of dying or his early marriage that causes him to seek adventure outside of his relationship with Debbie, for example? Or is he disillusioned by the sudden transition from working at the job centre to performing on TV?
Another admirable point to make is that at no point does Control worship the singer. We see both the good and the bad in Curtis and Sam Riley does a wonderful job in portraying the charming alongside the repulsing. This was his first movie performance and he deserves all the praise he received from it as Riley captures Curtis to perfection. However, it's Samantha Morton who, once again, steals the show here as Debbie Curtis. Her shy and mousey personality makes you fall in love with her and her sadness breaks your heart.
As far as music biopics go, Control is the one that all others should aspire to be. The band performances are electric and show just why people love Joy Division, the soundtrack is incredible, the performances are stunning, it's mesmerising the watch and, all the while, it delves into the complicated world of Ian Curtis in a unique and fascinating way.
4/5
2 comments:
Excellent film, everything is completely ideal to its topic. Love the cinematography and performances but especially the use of the soundtrack. The end sends chills up my spine. Plus, this was a major influence on how I wanted to stylistically approach my "Born to Run", as you can see.
- Jack Moulton
It's funny, I thought about Born To Run the entire time as I was watching it. They are both very similar!
I was going to mention the soundtrack too but feared it might make the blog too long. Bowie, Sex Pistols, The Buzzcocks, etc. Great choices of music!
'Love Will Tear Us Apart' is also the most appropriately timed song in any music biopic so far. The way is complements that montage of Debbie trying to find proof of Curtis' infidelities is awesome.
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