Review of Control (2007) by James M — 29 Apr 2011
Anton Corbijn has crafted a touching story which focuses purely on Joy Division and Manchester's adopted son and doomed creative martyr, Ian Curtis. It documents his thoughts, dreams and passions from an early age and about how he saw his life, Joy Division and his part in it.
Sam Riley is extraordinary as Curtis and absolutely embodies the spirit of everything we've come to know and recognise about the Joy Division singer. Samantha Morton plays his unwavering, loving and loyal wife, Debbie, in what is arguably one of her most committed and emotionally engaging role to date.
Control is a beautifully poetic film which absolutely commits itself to showing both fans and the uninitiated, just how much Ian Curtis' genius inspired modern music. Corbijn's brave approach at wanting to do this film and to do it right, should be commended. He successfully portrays a grim Northern England in the grip of a dour Callaghan government emphasised by Corbijn's typical black and white art-house look.
This review of Control (2007) was written by James M on 29 Apr 2011.
Control has generally received very positive reviews.
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