Review of Joy Division (2009) by Tim L — 10 May 2008

A very moving and inspriing documentary, that made me wanna go out and play a gig as soon as it finished, a bit like when you see a great band live.

It was really informative, delving deeper into the surrounding landscape of the time, the manchester that the band grew up in in the 50's and 60's and their combined need to get into music "these guys didn't have a choice" as the late great Tony Wilson puts it in the film.

It was particularly special for me as most of it is set in many special places to me. Macclesfield where Ian lived and I also lived for a few years (a great place, even though both in this film and 'Control' it is represented in quite a funny way), and the Manchester live scene where I could totally relate to struggling to get fans in etc.. It's got to be the only film I've seen where many of the shots were taken on the road on which I was watching the movie (I saw it at the great Cornerhouse cinema on Oxford Road in Manchester, where Joy Division played).

The interviews were all great, and showcased more of the whole band than previous Joy Division things I've seen - it didn't just give the false impression that it was Ian's backing band, they were all, and still are great and innovative musicians.

I really hope now that they'll do a 'sequel' that goes into the equally interesting history of New Order.

I think this documentary will appeal to any one interested in music history, Manchester history or anyone who loves great art and music.