TotalTelly.co.uk

Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV

Control [2007]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £4.98 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Musicians have long proven to be a well of inspiration for film makers, and so it proves again with director Anton Corbjn’s telling of the story of Ian Curtis and Joy Division, Control.

Based on the book of the same name, the first of Control’s many successes is to make prior knowledge of the subject matter unnecessary. And while music is an important part of the film, the movie ultimately focuses in on the relationship between Curtis and his wife, Deborah. It’s a moving and emotional rollercoaster, and one realised with exceptional skill and grace by Sam Riley and the ever-astonishing Samantha Morton in the lead acting roles. The former is someone very much to watch, the latter is surely long overdue an Oscar.

Credit too must go to director Corbjn, though, who builds up Control with diligence and discipline. He shapes a musical biopic that distinguishes itself from its numerous contemporaries, and while it perhaps doesn’t spend enough time with the Joy Division side of the story, it’s a film that’s otherwise hard to fault.

Control, ultimately, not only managed to sidestep many of the contrivances of the genre, but it also offers a raw, electric and emotional experience, and proved to be one of 2007’s finest films. Don’t miss it. --Jon Foster


The Joy Division story - as close as it gets to the truth
Review date: 2008-10-19 Rating: 10 out of 10

Anton Corbijn has created a stylistic masterpiece. The backdrop of 1970s England is so faithfully reproduced that it's worth watching the movie just for that sense of deja vu as you see and remember a particular car, or jacket, or drink in a shop window. I saw this movie at a cinema with Hookie from Joy Division there in the audience - he took some questions after the film was shown. He said that it's as close to the truth as any filmmaker can possibly get. With that level of integrity and beautiful cinematography, this is a must-see movie for any music fan.

Similar Products

Reviews


An outstanding drama
Review date: 2008-10-11 Rating: 8 out of 10

I found this film very easy to watch considering the grim subject matter.The film is beautifully shot and the black and white works.The performances of the main characters are excellent, Sam Riley and Samantha Morton are particularly good.Toby Kebbell's performace as Rob Gretton also deserves a mention.I feel this movie will appeal mostly to fans of the band but it is also worth a watch if you are not, as the film is an outstanding drama.I would also highly recommend Deborah Curtis' book Touching from a Distance,the inspiration for this film

Left out a lot of the important "facts"
Review date: 2008-09-11 Rating: 2 out of 10

I was really looking forward to seeing this film after reading some of the reviews on Amazon, but after watching it, I was left feeling disappointed (fortunately I rented it). The good points were the black and white film and, well, that's about it for me! Assuming this is meant to be the story of Ian Curtis, and assuming we are meant to be drawn into why he did himself in, it missed some important facts and those that it did show were poorly done. The film doesn't have the emotional impact it needs to put the story across well and let's face it, Anton is a photographer so he was probably more concerned about getting each shot looking good (and he did a good job in that respect).

It was a BIG mistake to let the guys play the music - they should have mimed and had the original songs playing.

So it's a big thumbs down from me.

The Killers? Interpol? The Walkmen? - Meet the original
Review date: 2008-08-30 Rating: 10 out of 10

I watched this for the second time last night and just wanted to write and say what a fantastic film it is. The wigs are a bit dubious and John Cooper Clarke looks about sixty whereas back then he would have been thirty, but these are mere trivialities. The difference between Sam Riley's Curtis and Sean Harris' depiction in 24 Hour Party People is marked (off stage and seizures apart). I have to confess Harris portrays Ian Curtis in the way I imagined him to be - quiet, intense and `deep'. Whereas in Control, off stage - until his descent into depression and despair, he is a jovial, sweet natured young man. Given that this film is based on Deborah Curtis' account of her husband's life, I take it that this is a truer representation.

Anton Corbjin's direction is impeccable and interestingly, I cannot seem to find any site depicting goofs in this film, which means it's flawless, a rare thing. Even if you are not a Joy Division fan I would still recommend Control as at times it is nearer the kitchen sink drama of the 1960s than a rock star biopic.

Five stars all the way.


You had to be there
Review date: 2008-08-03 Rating: 8 out of 10

Just to make an obvious point, when Joy Division were making music, we didn't know how it was going to end.

Watching this film, you know it's going to be tragic and grim in the end.

Enjoying Joy Division's music, though, at the time, was uplifting. It wasn't "post-punk" (whatever that's supposed to mean). And it wasn't Goth. After watching the film last night and listening to Still today, it's obvious that JD were well steeped in their punk time, not "post" at all. Ambitions bigger than their technical competence. On Still, Curtis is often out of tune. The rocker/crooner intention is there and that's what gets you. And the rest of the band. Not an accomplished Rock band like the enjoyable music in the film, but a raggedy and driven band.

I'd never understood how New Order came out of the ashes of Joy Division. A completely different sensibility. But now I think I understand.

A thoroughly bazzin film and fantastic work from all involved, but grim and bleak. The music wasn't bleak though. And that's why we're here.

But I wonder how someone first coming to Joy Division through this film and the tragic story will really understand the appeal at the time. A punk band working hard in its own dark corner, discovering stuff.

Ian Curtis was 23 when he died.




Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
James Anthony Pearson
Sam Riley
Joe Anderson
Craig Parkinson
Samantha Morton

Creators:
Sam Riley (Primary Contributor)
Samantha Morton (Primary Contributor)
Joy Division (Composer)
Deborah Curtis (Writer)
Matt Greenhalgh (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Momentum Pictures Home Ent
Manufacturer: Momentum Pictures Home Ent
EAN: 5060116721324
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-02-11
Audience rating: To Be Announced
Region code: 2
Running time: 122 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007

Add to Cart

© 2006 Darren Hester, DesignsByDarren.com, Some Rights Reserved.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional