Recent Reviews for Control
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MCT:May 9, 2008A good film showing part of the life of Joy Division Singer Ian Curtis who hung himself age 23....black and white and bleak I found it hard to watch!
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MCT:May 8, 2008I thought 24 hr party people had a better portrayal on ian curtis and joy division but it was worth watching.
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MCT:May 8, 2008"Existence. Well, what does it matter? I exist on the best terms I can. The past is now part of my future. The present is well out of hand."
An absolutely fantastic performance by Sam Riley as Ian Curtis. An amazing debut film by master photographer Anton Corbijn. Every scene is like a beautiful still photograph. A great supporting cast as well, Samantha Morton, Joe Anderson, James Anthony Pearson, Harry Treadaway, Toby Kebbell, Craig Parkinson and Alexandra Maria Lara. A film not to be missed. -
MCT:May 6, 2008"Joy Division, you cunt!"
The band Joy Division managed to generate an astronomical fan base when they helped change the face of music during the 1970s. Control is a poignant, moving, emotive accolade to the life of an ill-fated rock-star named Ian Curtis (Riley) who was the lead singer of Joy Division.
Control is a film that delves deep down into the profoundly troubled life of Ian; a man who died far too young. Ian had a sincere fondness for rock-stars like David Bowie and Iggy Pop. The film's hypnotic opening scene introduces us to a 17-year-old Ian Curtis who is on his way home from school. Control traces the circumstances that initiated his career. He felt that youthfulness meant that he could do whatever he wanted. In this case he married at a tender young age and gained a daughter. When Ian joins a band made up of his mates they call themselves Joy Division. The band quickly becomes increasingly more successful. Ian is soon distracted from family commitments by a new love and the growing expectations of his band. This severe strain manifests itself in his physical condition. With epilepsy adding to his guilt and dejection, despondency holds a firm grip. Conceding to the burden on his shoulders, Ian's tortured soul consumes him.
Control is the feature debut of director Anton Corbijn who was obviously very committed and passionate about making a wholly accurate film. The cinematography was especially effective. People who grew up during that period will tell you that life was black & white. This was the atmosphere director Anton wanted to create, hence shooting the film in evocative, hypnotic black & white photography. The film's ambiance is captivating and mesmerising. The directing in particular never made the film seem like a staged production.
The title itself refers to Ian's troubled existence. The film is absolutely heart-wrenching as Ian believes he failed his wife as his marriage draws to a close, failed his daughter because he was never a good father, failed his band because his health condition forbid him to perform well, but most of all failed himself for destroying his fragile spirit - Ian lost control.
Sam Riley is a little known actor who proved accomplished with his display of acting skills portraying the principal character. He let the audience believe that he is actually this tragic iconic singer whose life was plagued with piles of concerns. Riley was especially haunting during the more tragic scenes. When he collapses on stage the audience's heart also collapses at the catastrophic sight. Riley is amazing. Samantha Morton plays the part of Ian's young wife Debbie. She held a strong love for Ian despite the things he did to jeopardise their marriage. During scenes that required tears and a realistic break down, both Sam Riley and Samantha Morton are exhilarating.
The soundtrack is quite electrifying at times. I thought the music was used sparingly, and it was a very wise choice on the part of the filmmakers. When some of the more poignant scenes are without music it creates an even more devastating impact on the viewer.
Control is a depressingly beautiful production. Although far too short, it is a tribute to the talented, enigmatic Ian Curtis and a fitting portrait for such a man. Ian used so much of his extraordinary ability during his fairly short life. The filmmakers sensitively approached the source material. No-one ever strikes a false note in this stimulating, stunning, incredibly heart-breaking experience. Control cannot be missed at any cost. -
MCT:April 29, 2008This is the story of Ian Curtis and is a great movie. Additionally it is directed by the famous and talented photographer Anton Corbijn. See it.
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MCT:April 26, 2008
A Extremely flawed biopic of Ian Curtis, great acting, great photography, great direction, but it's too short, not enough with band, the script is ok but should have been better and it's obvisously been shortened
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MCT:April 24, 2008
Electrifying, heart-breaking, incredible. Control is a stunning and thought-provoking film that definately plays with your emotions. Joy Division changed the face of music in the 1970's and this is the story of extremely talented yet doomed lead singer Ian Curtis.
Newcomer Sam Riley is a revelation as Ian Curtis, he compels the viewers and takes them along for the journey with him. Samantha Morton is tremendous also, she encapsulates the role of Curtis' neglected wife and really gives a sincere performance. I also must mention Toby Kebbell who plays Joy Division's manager, he plays his part very well too. The film is shot entirely in black and white which gives the film a very haunting atmosphere, the director seems to be obviously passionate about this subject which adds greatly to the quality of the film. The soundtrack is used very wisely, creating some very electrifying and poignant scenes. I'd recommend this film to anybody regardless that they know much or like Joy Division's music at all. This film is a worthwhile watch that's intense, engaging yet beautifully depressing. -
MCT:April 18, 2008
feelings & emotions: you won't find any in CONTROL. it's flat. flat. it doesn't give you any judgements, it's not on any of the charactor's sides, it's not anything, but a simple great story, but not powerful. (i'm sure u don't get what i mean :D )
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MCT:April 17, 2008
A good portrait of Ian Curtis, but found it a bit depressing from time to time. I know that it is hard to make a happy movie about a guy that commits suicide, but I am sure that it wasn´t all doom and gloom in the days in Madchester... Not a lot about The Hacienda and some of the concerts. Guess I was kind of expecting another 24 Hour Party People. Still an interesting film though!
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MCT:April 16, 2008
acho que se eu fosse fã da banda, daria 5 estrelas ou qualquer coisa assim, mas nunca me interessei por joy division, e isso não mudou depois do filme...
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MCT:April 14, 2008
Charting the life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of the band Joy Division, this biopic is shot completely in black and white giving it a very serious documentary feel. In the leading role newcomer Sam Riley makes Curtis an engaging character while Samantha Morton as his wife is superb. The soundtrack is also brilliant adding emotion particularly to the very tragic finale.
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MCT:April 14, 2008
A brilliant film which, with many others, shows that Britsh film-makers can still pack punches out there in the industry. The story of the Joy Division front man is an interesting one to watch from his rise to his fall. Highly reccomended.
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MCT:April 13, 2008While I love Samantha Morton, I did not like this movie at all. I turned it off a 1/2 hour into it because it was so boring!
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MCT:April 11, 2008
I must admit it didn't seem to hit me as much as many people make out it would, now i'm not taking anything away from either the cast or the movie itself as they are impeccably done. Sam Riley's performance as Ian Curtis is understated and pitch perfect the feel of the movie not over playing it or over showing made it real and true.
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MCT:April 11, 2008
One of the biografical movies i really like.Great acting by Sam Rilley.If you guys like Joy devision music it worth sometimes to loock bechind the seance and take a pick in Ian Curtis live.Live is never so great as it mijd seamd...Iterppretation belings to you guys .And one last thing amasing black and wchite photography .
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MCT:April 8, 2008Another movie about someone that decided to take the chicken shit way out and punch their own ticket. Next.
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MCT:April 4, 2008
OUTSTANDING! I had so much pleasure! Really fantastic! I love the atmosphere of the 70-es. Everything in this movie is great!
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MCT:March 29, 2008
Anybody who ever grooved on the music of Joy Division (and their later reincarnation,New Order)as I did back in the day (and still do)should drop what they have on & flock to whatever cinema is screening this gem. The story centers on Ian Curtis (played to perfection by Sam Riley)from the time of his rather "unamazing" adolescence (Curtis mostly hangs out in his bedroom,smoking & listening to David Bowie,Iggy Pop & others),until his untimely death at the age of 23. Despite being the lead singer in Joy Division, his life was pretty much the antithesis of the whole bohemian experience (he married way too early in life). Despite this,Curtis's rather humdrum life does make for a very good cinematic experience. The film,although shot on color stock, was processed in a glowing black & white that looks stunning on screen. The music is to die for (all of Joy Division's music is actually played live by the supporting cast,all of which are musicians). I'm now hoping for film bios on some of the other bands that recorded for Factory,back in the late 70's & early to mid 80's (Happy Mondays,Duruti Column,etc.)
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MCT:March 24, 2008
A suerb bio-pic with a star-turn performance by Sam Riley. Samantha Morton also shines as Curtis wife. Highly recommnded film; and not just for Joy Division fans!!!
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MCT:March 22, 2008
"Control" really deserved Academy Awards nominations for best picture, actor, actress, adapted screenplay and director. One of the best pictures of 2007.
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MCT:March 18, 2008
Anton Corbijn tells the story of Ian Curtis through dismal (in a good and very appropriate way) and beautiful imagery. Sam Riley is fantastic as Curtis and Samantha Morton plays Deborah Curtis so sympathetically that a little part of you dies every time she shows up onscreen. The music was fantastically done even though Curtis was demystified so greatly and my perception of Joy Division recordings is shattered (he always sounded beyond his years but despite his talent, Corbijn reminds us that Curtis was just a child) Control was a great and very well done movie. Even though I couldn't sympathize with Curtis on most levels the lead up to his death still gave me chills and left me a little misty. And that final shot was brilliant.
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MCT:March 17, 2008
i personally am a big anton 4 all his wrk with u2 and the few vid's he did 4 metallica!! but this film is brilliant it is shot marveslosuly u can tell a pro photographer is @ the helm!!! Ian Curtis is a veri character and sam riley pulled it off!!!
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MCT:March 17, 2008
Sam Riley doesnt deserve an oscar for this role. his acting in this movie is miles away from hollywood. for those who loves music, life and genius, like Ian, its one of the best biographical movies ever. The Killers playing "shadowplay" show that Ian music will remain foverer among us.
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MCT:March 17, 2008
Very good portrait of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. I love the music of Joy Division and I found the scenes with the band to be very entertaining. Sam Riley is excellent in the role of Curtis. The grim subject matter makes it a hard film to recommend however it is wonderfully directed by photographer, Anton Corbijn
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MCT:March 13, 2008
A cloud hangs over me.
Marks every move.
Deep In the memory of what once was love.
Ian Curtis
One of the most beautiful lines uttered at the end of this film. A wonderful movie on the destruction and beauty of what is basically youthful love. Everything about it was so beautiful, the struggles of its character, what causes it, it does not let what is basically banal, everyday emotion cloud it but insteads lets out the mood, the character out and shows why this attitude, deemed stupid and selfish is actually just plain side-effects of love.
