Customer Ratings & Reviews

This stark, unsentimental and relentlessly sad biography of late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis is the first feature film by photographer and video director Anton Corbijn, best known for his work with rock groups U2 and Depeche Mode. Corbijn does a masterful job of making his subject fascinatingly human, despite the fact that Curtis ultimately is more pathetic and tragic than likable and charismatic. "Control"'s high-contrast black-and-white photography gives it a 1960s British documentary feel that is is perfectly suited to the general air of doomed hopelessness here, even though the events covered take place in the late 1970s. Sam Riley is remarkable as Curtis, a miserable teenager who marries young, has a kid, works behind a desk at an employment exchange, and writes gloomy lyrics for his struggling band's dirge-like tunes. He seems baffled and unsettled when he becomes a small-fame-without-money cult figure -- but this definitely isn't your typical "boo-hoo, the pressures of success" tale. His life and moods are further complicated by a case of epilepsy that numerous prescriptions fail to bring under control. Samantha Morton is thoroughly convincing as Curtis' stoic wife Deborah, who sees her husband become increasingly detached and distant from her and their daughter but has no idea what to do about it. Curtis is torn between his obligation to his small family and his love for Belgian music journalist Annik Honore (Alexandra Maria Lara). Refreshingly, neither woman is presented as a demon. Deborah clearly loves and cares about Curtis, and is hurt by his lack of attention, but she never comes across as a haranguing harpie who has driven her man into another woman's arms. Annik is undeniably more exotic and beautiful than Deborah, but is portrayed as a loving artistic soulmate who simply had the bad luck to meet Curtis after he already was "taken," rather than as a heartless, homewrecking groupie. What's impressive is that "Control" works so well as a story that the excellent music performances in it almost seem secondary. Riley does his own singing on most of the songs, and is impressive at recreating Curtis' sometimes manic style and voice-of-doom vocals without doing strictly soundalike impersonations. I actually liked the movie versions of many songs here more than the real Joy Division's originals. (Heresy! Heresy!) This is easily one of the best movies of 2007.

This film, in every last detail, is perfect! The mood definitely follows the story. Nothing flashy or over the top in any way. Black and white cinematography create the overwhelming melancholy that was Ian Curtis' life. Despite all of the fame and popularity that would bring anyone else to the high-point of existence, Ian Curtis' battles with epilepsy and romance led to his untimely death at age 23. Sam Riley is downright freaky as Ian Curtis, perfecting every note and strange onstage move that Curtis was known for. I cannot say this with enough gusto... SEE THIS MOVIE! Fans will be in heaven and hopefully it will bring a few more to the joy (no pun intended) that is Joy Division!

it totally blew my mind. it was the best Ian Curtis depiction anyone could have hoped for. Anton Corbijn was lucky to come across this boy on the street because no one else could have pulled off Ian quite like him. in some scenes, it is insane how much this man resembles him! i also think the music is performed phenomenally;i was super impressed. anton corbijn did a heck of a job for his first feature film. i loved the black and white, contrary to some people's opinion. it fit the entire mood of the film. this movie should be recognized as one of the greatest genre films of all time. a must see for all joy division/new order fans. still a good movie for everyone else to enjoy.

I just watched this movie for the first time, and I must say that it was very well done. The director/actors did a great job of portraying the late 70's english rock scene, as well as the main character's struggles with epilepsy. Overall a great peek at the tragic life of a rising star. Who knows how big Joy Division could have been had he not committed suicide.