Recent Reviews for Control
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MCT:June 11, 2008It was long, and slow, and not particularly as sad as it should have been, I know quite a bit about the real story... still it was one of the best music bios, if not the best music bio I have ever seen.
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MCT:June 9, 2008
We've seen many music biopics over the past decade or so, and a lot of them tend to come off as cliche and redundant. In fact, even the best ones don't really offer too much new to the table. In "Control", however, Corbijn throws all that junk away and makes a movie about a man. The music and his band is sort of an afterthought.
"Control" is about Ian Curtis, a rock icon on a cult level. He was the frontman for the late 1970's band Joy Division, who blended it's blasting bass rhythms, harmonizing keyboard, and unmistakable deep voice into the forefront of the "goth indie rock" scene. You can lump Joy Division in with bands like The Cure, Bauhaus, or Depeche Mode. However, Ian Curtis was plagued with issues and committed suicide at the age of 23, leaving the members of Joy Division to eventually become New Order. But, this film isn't about Joy Division or New Order, it's about Ian Curtis.
This film is very quiet, methodical, and patient. In fact, around the halfway point I found myself getting a bit impatient just because we know we're the story is headed and it's painful to think that nothing good comes out of Ian's misery. It's filmed in black and white, and I could not imagine it in any other way... it matches Joy Division's music perfectly, and further helps the film commit to it's dreary and dark atmosphere. The best part is that the black and white isn't some sort of gimmick thrown on in postproduction, the cinematography is absolutely extraordinary and it never misses an opportunity to cast the signature shadows of the lost artform of black and white film.
Ian is played by Sam Riley, who has one hell of a performance. When he lip sings you think he's actually singing because he's moving so violently and passionately, and throughout the film he forces the viewer to carry Ian's burdens and hardships along the way. We always feel what Ian is feeling at any given moment. It's certainly not an easy film to watch. The moments of happiness are used very sparingly.
The most interesting thing about this film is that it avoids just about anything you'd expect from a biography on the life of a rockstar. We never get the rags to riches transformation, relations with groupies, and once drugs are introduced for the first time, they're used very sparingly. I wouldn't be surprised if people watching this we're confused at how Joy Division got famous so quickly because it was NEVER shown on screen... and again, this is important because the film is about Ian. The music isn't important. That's what makes it so refreshing!
I was a bit uncomfortable watching this at times just because I knew Ian was going to kill himself in the end. Knowing that New Order was involved with the production, I was hoping we wouldn't get a horrifying and lingering shot of Ian hanging himself... but, the film shows everything very tastelessly. It doesn't exploit Ian, it expresses who he is and what led him to what happened. We don't get a sense that he's a bad guy, just a guy with a lot of issues. It's a very classy look at an extraordinarily unique man.
There are some wonderful scenes in here, especially in musical performances. There's a scene where Ian refuses to come out on stage and they send someone up to replace him, who is met with a chorus of boo's. When Ian finally comes out for a little bit, he soon leaves again and a riot breaks out. It's a scene i'll never forget for how beautiful, powerful, and absolutely mesmerizing it was. Just a really wonderful effort all around. Two thumbs up. -
MCT:June 8, 2008Despite its artistic grace, this is ultimately reductive, simplistic and frustrating. The girls are one-dimensional characters, the bandmates are shamefully self-involved, and Ian is just a poor, foolish boy - a tragic architect of his own demise. Normally I like tragic heroes. Here, it's completely unappealing.
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MCT:June 7, 2008a tragic story of a young man frustrated with, and at times embarrassed by, his lack of control over his fate, his emotions, and his own body...
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mmm demasiada queja en contra de la vida amorosa de ian por parte de su esposa... esperaba que se centrara mas en la banda, los subtitulos malisimos eso de los neologismos forzados nada bueno... muy buena fotografia
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MCT:June 5, 2008
Slow, quiet, depressing film about Ian Curtis. Sam Riley looks like the cloned Curtis to me. Plus FANTASTIC soundtrack.
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MCT:June 5, 2008
It's moody, well-shot (what you'd expect from Corbijn) and touching. But hell, that Curtis must have been a disaster to be around. Don't see this if you want to feel better, but then again, that's not what Joy Division was about anyway.
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MCT:May 29, 2008
A sweet tragedy and tragic love story. Joy division will never be the same. They're human now. Was Ian Curtis really such a nice guy? I mean, the woman he f***ed over wrote this and he still comes off as a decent guy.
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MCT:May 27, 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 23, 2008
oh my, another desperate artist that was totally misunderstood! Boring! And the whole drug thing was so passed over on this one... lets glorify the tortured fucker one more time!
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MCT:May 15, 2008
La triste historia de Ian Curtis. Defintivamente, cada quien hace de su vida lo que quiere, pero se me hizo toda una babosidad su suicidio. Bueno, espero que descanse en paz realmente.
Interesante historia, buena pelicula, excelentes actuaciones, y entretenida musica es lo que Control nos deja. Muy buena, muy recomendable, pero no le doy las cinco estrellas debido a los eternos silencios finales que se sienten pesados y quizas, a que si la pelicula estuviera a color, no hubiera gustado tanto. Parte del arte y de la magia de Control es su blanco y negro... pero una excelente pelicula puede ser buena en cualquier tipo de iluminacion, color, contraste o que se le parezca. -
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 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, 2008
This 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 .
