reinhardlerch A lot of criticism has been voiced here before, and I am not going into detail about what I, too, think is actually deficient, inappropriate or even completely lacking in this film. Making a feature film about a non-mainstream band or singer is basically an idea I would always wholeheartedly endorse. (Why not, for example, venture to put the life of Mark E. Smith/The Fall, another great Mancunian alternative music act, on the screen -- a truly controversial, complex, ingenious and enigmatic artist with a band history that surely has a couple of funny as well as emotionally extraordinary episodes to offer?) In the case of Joy Division and the tragic life story of their genius lyricist more cinematographic creativity could have gone into the making of this movie than this fairly static quasi-documentary that picks up speed just a few minutes before Curtis actually hangs himself. Exploring the workings of a highly introspective mind in a strictly realist (or even naturalist) cinematographic fashion doesn't seem to work. There are more options for a director to visualise a character's inner world than just using voice-over. We as viewers never get any deeper insight into Curtis' ongoing emotional conflicts, psychic perturbation and his struggle with epileptic seizures and their consequences. A first-person viewpoint would have made so much more sense in this movie.

plewes-94772 Shot gorgeously in black and white, Anton Corbijn presents an evocative, multi-dimensional portrait of Ian Curtis which is as beautiful as it is dark.Yorkshire-born actor Sam Riley steals the show, appearing two parts Ian Curtis and one part Pete Doherty. Cruel, difficult and somehow alone despite being constantly surrounded by band members as well as Debbie and Annike, Riley's Curtis cuts an enigmatic figure who you cannot take your eyes off.Over its 122 minutes, Control sets up the final scene with aplomb. There is no way out, there is only one way it could end (even if you don't know the story). Bleak, but brilliant.

radio-head-943-46030 for me,the main point of making a movie about Ian Curtis,would be to portray his troubled mind and to show us the viewer his troubled soul.very much like the book.watching this movie though,we never go deep into his mind.so by the Well known climax,are left empty with no justifications for his actions.When we all know that in his mind he was a troubled soul.Its frustrating because the film should of told us the depth of his soul and i feel it failed miserably.it felt very much not about Ian Curtis.just a story of a pop singer and all the usual clichés.Also because of the lack of depth in to Ian's problems,i found myself feeling Sorry for his wife,which in a way Really was not the point with this film.the obvious point was to highlight Ian and his mind and mental illness.so Really was a chance missed to portray this man.

Andy Steel Shot entirely in black and white I found this film very atmospheric and it also had a gritty realism about it. I thought all the performances were excellent with both Sam Riley and Samantha Morton taking top honours. I also have to give a mention to Toby Kebbell who totally stole a couple of scenes with some great over-the-top one-liners. The story is primarily told from Debbie's point of view and as such we get a very interesting look at the life of this enigmatic soul. This film inspired me to go out and buy a Joy Division greatest hits CD and it's music that's always been close to my heart. I should mention that all the live performances portrayed in the film were performed by the actors and so hat's off to them for making it real. Whether you were a fan of the band or not I'm sure you'll get something out of this one. Be warned though, it's quite a tough watch, even when you do know the outcome.SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDEDMy score: 8.4/10You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.