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Control
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01:20
Control
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- 2007
- Anton Corbijn
- 116 mins
- 15
Summary
Biographical music drama starring Sam Riley and Samantha Morton. Growing up in Macclesfield during the 1970s, Ian Curtis dreams of a career in music, but settles for a job at the unemployment office and life with local girl Debbie. A chance meeting at a Sex Pistols gig changes Curtis's priorities, and he's soon writing songs and singing with the band Warsaw, which will become Joy Division.
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Review
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Sloan Freer
Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn's long-term love affair with 1970s Manchester rock band Joy Division bears rich fruit in his intimate and affecting biopic of their tragic lead singer Ian Curtis. Based on the memoirs of Curtis's widow Deborah (portrayed with poignant resilience by Samantha Morton), the monochrome feature traces the iconic star's short life, from his David Bowie-fixated teens and early marriage, to his debilitating struggle with fame, depression and ill-health that led to his suicide, aged 23. Although the musical aspect is exceptional, thanks to the cast playing live rather than miming, it's debut director Corbijn's decision to focus on the story's human elements that give the drama depth and extend its appeal. Brighton Rock's Sam Riley is uncannily convincing as Curtis, capturing both his hyperactive stage persona and his tortured private side, while beautifully framed visuals enhance the excellent performances. But the picture's biggest surprise is its earthy humour, which further dismantles the myth behind the man.
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7.6/10
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Credits
Cast
rolenameIan CurtisSam RileyDeborah CurtisSamantha MortonAnnik HonoreAlexandra Maria LaraPeter "Hooky" HookJoe Anderson (1)Bernard SumnerJames Anthony PearsonRob GrettonToby KebbellTony WilsonCraig ParkinsonSteve MorrisHarry TreadawayTerryAndrew SheridanTwinnyRobert Shelly
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Crew
rolenameDirectorAnton Corbijn
Details
Theatrical distributor
Momentum Pictures
Released on
2007-10-05
Languages
English
Guidance
Swearing, sex scenes.
Available on
DVD and Blu-ray
Formats
Black and white
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