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Samantha Morton, Sam Riley, Alexandra Maria Lara, Joe Anderson, Toby Kebbell ... see more see more... , Craig Parkinson , James Anthony Pearson , Harry Treadaway , Andrew Sheridan , Robert Shelly , Richard Bremmer , Tanya Myers , Martha Myers-Lowe , Matthew McNulty , David Whittington , Margaret Jackman , Mary Jo Randle , Ben Naylor , John Cooper Clarke , James Fortune , Angus Addenbrooke , Nicola Harrison , June Alliss , George Newton , Mark Jardine , Herbert Grönemeyer , Paul Arlington , Tim Plester , Joanna Swain , Joseph M. Marshall , Laura Chambers , Elliot Brown-Walters , Monica Axelsson , Lotti Closs , Eady Williams

Prolific music-video helmer and award-winning photographer Anton Corbijn makes his feature directorial debut with this biographical drama concerning the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. Based on... read more read more... the book Touching from a Distance: Ian Curtis & Joy Division by the enigmatic singer's wife Deborah Curtis, Control documents the life of a legend who changed the face of modern music but never lived to witness the remarkable impact of his life's work. The time was the late 1970s, and the post-punk explosion was just gaining momentum in England. At the forefront of this movement was a band named Joy Division. Formed in 1976 and first calling themselves Warsaw, Joy Division favored mood and expression over the aggressive stance that had come to define punk rock. The band was championed by Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, and collaborated with producer Martin Hannett on the album that would become their undisputed masterpiece -- 1979's Unknown Pleasures. But despite the band's rising popularity, lead singer Curtis was not in good mental or physical health due a debilitating battle with epilepsy and an extramarital affair, and hanged himself in his Macclesfield home on the eve of the band's first U.S. tour. Newcomer Sam Riley stars opposite Samantha Morton in the film that sets out to tell the definitive story of a true rock & roll legend. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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87% liked it

108 critics

R, 2 hr. 2 min.

Directed by: Anton Corbijn

Release Date: May 17, 2007

Keywords: sad, white, depressing, shot, date, music

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DVD Release Date: June 3, 2008

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Stats: 7,372 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (7,372)

  • SirPant
    April 18, 2011
    SirPant
    Joy Division are a perfect example of a band who's music I adore without particularly liking as people. I have limited respect or sympathy for Ian Curtis, a fantastic musician but I've always had more sympathy for the Friends and family left behind after suicide. Obviously I don'... read moret include people with mental health issues in that equation. There is an unhealthy obsession with the celebrities that die young in our society, it's not a new thing but it's still quite distasteful. At no point though does Anton Corbijn sugar-coat the facts, Ian Curtis is seen for who he was in a fair and balanced manner. Anton Corbijn is a fantastic photographer and I'm delighted that he's now making feature films. It is visually beautiful but I never doubted it wouldn't be, Sam Riley and Toby Kebbell do fine jobs but I've got a soft spot for Samantha Morton, I think she is consistently brilliant. I was particularly impressed with the detail here though, the contact in blood, Stroszek being the last film he watched, Corbijn's take is as real as it could ever be and I really respect him for that. A great film, whether you were a fan of Joy Division or not.
  • itsjustme2004
    October 15, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    Good movie. I never knew too much about the lead singer of this band, only that it he had a sad life. This movie really did well painting a life full of struggles, and difficulties. It is a shame that he died so young.
  • MizturY0da
    April 7, 2010
    MizturY0da
    For every icon, there is an unknown predecessor who paves the way. Before there was Kurt Cobain, there was Ian Curtis, lead singer of the post-punk band, Joy Division. 27 years after his tragic death, Curtis' incredible contribution to music is finally being recognized in Anton C... read moreorbijn's film, "Control." It's only fitting that Corbijn serve as director since it was his early photographs of Joy Division that reflected the band's dark, introspective songs. Corbijn went on to photograph and direct videos for such musical greats as U2, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, R.E.M. and Metallica.

    With his first feature film, Corbijn avoids the pitfalls of many music video directors who inundate us with flashy and unnecessary edits and camera angles. Instead, he lets the stark black and white of the film tell the story of a lead singer tortured by epilepsy, guilt, depression and suicidal thoughts. The use of black and white also captures the factory town of Manchester, England in the late 1970s, a city crumbling under industrial and economic stress. Manchester has since rebounded and is once again thriving.

    Curtis is played by relative newcomer, Sam Riley, who's quiet and unassuming approach portrays an artist inspired by his heroes, David Bowie and Iggy Pop. At a chance meeting following a Sex Pistols concert, Curtis bonds with three fellow musicians to form the band.

    As Joy Division begins to flourish, Ian's relationship with his young wife, Deborah, continues to distance itself. Academy Award nominee, Samantha Morton plays the confused wife trying to understand her husband's depressed soul. The film is based on Deborah Curtis' autobiography, "Touching From A Distance", so it comes as a surprise that Morton's character does not have more scenes in the movie.

    The key to Control is understanding Curtis' depression, which the film accomplishes to near perfection. As he battles epilepsy, the young singer lives in constant fear that his next seizure will be his last. His only option is to swallow a daily cocktail of prescription drugs with side effects so terrible, that most of us would rather tempt fate than endure the aftermath of the pills.

    Ian's spirit is also tortured by overwhelming guilt brought on by an extra-marital affair with a part-time journalist, played by Romanian-born Alexandra Maria Lara.

    The most telling scene comes when Ian records an in-studio track for the song "Isolation." While Curtis stoically sings into the microphone, his band mates are distracted with the normal banter that typically occurs in a studio.

    "Mother, I tried, please believe me. I'm doing the best that I can. I'm ashamed of the things I've been put through. I'm ashamed of the person I am." The lyrics seem to fall on deaf ears except for those of the sound engineer who refers to it as "genius." But Ian's brilliance is also a desperate cry for help ignored by everyone in the studio.

    The 27-year-old Riley does an excellent job of capturing Curtis' aloofness on stage. Singers such as Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and even the early years of Michael Stipe would often drift into the moment of the song. But when Curtis performed, he immersed himself into his own world where the music simply served as the soundtrack. Riley skillfully draws us into Ian's dark world with a range of subtle head movements and facial expressions to a whirling explosion of arm gyrations that came to personify the singer's stage performances.

    Overwhelmed with grief, shame and depression, Ian finally succumbs to his demons at the young age of 23. He left behind a wife, a child and a musical legacy that is finally receiving its just rewards nearly three decades later.

    For those looking for a story solely about Joy Division, Control may not be for you. But for those seeking an intuitive perspective into the anguished spirit of one of the most influential alternative bands in history, you will certainly find it in this depressing but incredibly beautiful film.
  • thefog1331
    January 14, 2010
    thefog1331
    I generally don't do biopics because they're either not very interesting or very true to life but this, the rise and fall of Ian Curtis is an expertly made film directed by Anton Corbijn, Depeche Mode's long-time collaborator. It's a somewhat bleak yet touching tribute to the sou... read morel of Joy Division and Sam Riley does a bang up job as Ian with the rest of the cast holding their own as well.
  • 76Majikat
    July 30, 2009
    76Majikat
    A little slow moving, but this biopic of Joy Division?s front man Ian Curtis' life is realistic with some enjoyable performances.

    I don?t claim to be a Joy Division fan and therefore can?t comment on the accuracy shown by the Actors in this film. For me though Samantha Morto... read moren really stood out in this.

    Worth the watch, but fairly drawn out.
  • CrookedlittleB33
    November 30, 2008
    CrookedlittleB33
    As I'm not totally familiar with the band or the whole story behind the music...this was quite an intriguing film to watch. First, because the entirety of the movie was all in black and white. Thus, setting it apart from almost every single movie out today...but I think it did we... read morell in such tones as it really set the tone for the overall story.

    It seems quite a few films thesedays are being made from books, and biopics I have yet to read!

    Anyways, less rambling more review. The story is of how a young and quiet young man named Ian Curtis tries to survive in a bleak and grey Macclesfield. He spends his time working in an employment agency and finally ends up joining a band called Warsaw.

    As time goes on, he meets a girl named Debbie who he marries shortly thereafter. Then, him and his bandmates watch this show of a record company who feature new and upcoming bands. He is determined to get time on this show, and sure enough fate smiles down on the whole group and they make it.

    They create this reaction when they change the name to Joy Division and pretty soon everyone wants to pick apart his brain and be his best friend. This puts a strain on his relationship with Debbie, as all Ian ever wants to do is either write, sing, go on gigs or watch telly with a cig in his mouth.

    The couple finally have a baby, but even that doesn't seem to make him content in any way and thus he shifts his attentions to a belgium reporter named Annik. At this time, Ian is still working at the employment agency and one of his clients is a young girl who suffers from seizures. He calls to check up on her and learns of her demise.

    One time he suffers from what is called a 'fit' on the road home from a poor gig and finally Debbie persuades him to go to the doctor. He receives various medications but they don't seem to help at all.

    As he struggles with epilepsy, mixed feelings for his wife and Annik. Plus, the strain of being famous and the fans always wanting more seems to drain him of his energy until finally and utterly he continues to lose the control he once had in his life.

    This movie I can't say is for everyone, but people who enjoy Joy Division's music might probably be the first people I'd recommend it to. Otherwise, if you're feeling adventurous and interested about what it's about I say go for it. You have nothing to lose, it's a really interesting look at the enigmatic singer.


    David, lol...you recommended Kontrol to me...and I forgot...that this wasn't the movie you meant...but it was totally worthwhile. xD
  • tsigur
    August 11, 2008
    tsigur
    It's a great thing when a film makes you want to go out and find out everything about it's subject. This is one of those films. Sam Riley is phenomenal and Morton is always good. I am a sucker for black and white cinematography and the manager is how I imagine Alex to be as a ban... read mored manager. "You daft cunt. Don't be offended, I call everyone that." Genius.
  • drago25
    July 10, 2008
    drago25
    I've been anticipating the release of this film since I heard of its conception, and I'm proud to report that Control is an almost perfect music biopic. The whole Ian Curtis story is very close to me; being a longtime fan of Joy Division and just being very affected by the trage... read moredy and its connection with the music. Unknown British actor Sam Riley takes on the massive responsibility of portraying Ian Curtis. This is a sensitive issue, being as Curtis was already almost a legend by the time he died at 23, and continues to have a lasting impact on the music industry and a massive following. Luckily, Riley handles the pressure very well and, in the process, delivers an astounding and completely truthful and honest performance. Riley will absolutely have a great future in the film industry; in my opinion, seeing how well he handled this loaded role, he should be able to handle much of anything (it doesn't hurt that he bears a striking resemblance to Curtis, either). In the tradition of many recent biopics, most of the music is re-recorded and performed by the actors themselves, all of which learned to play the songs for this film on their own. This is dangerous territory to enter considering the fanbase of Joy Division, but thankfully they do an excellent job and all the songs sound very fresh and worthy of their original counterparts. This is a first time directing a feature film for Anton Corbijn (being a music video director before) and he does a great job - the movie looks and sounds and feels fantastic. the black and white was a good choice, and Corbijn pulls some really interesting, striking shots out of his hat, and constructs an extremely solid film in the process. My hope is this film will serve not only to please the current Joy Division fanbase (as it did me), but will also introduce a new generation of music fans to the darkly beautiful and wonderfully bleak world of Joy Division, helmed by the iconic tragic figure of Ian Curtis.
  • Beefy
    June 23, 2008
    Beefy
    Solid though slight look at the life of Ian Curtis, singer for Joy Division. Acting is good across the board, but there's not a lot of insight to Curtis or how his band became special in a very specific moment in musical history. Gorgeous cinematography often overwhelms storyte... read morelling.
  • RCCLBC
    June 16, 2008
    RCCLBC
    Let me preface this by saying I'm a HUGE Joy Division / New Order fan.

    Having said that, I found this film to be very interesting, extremely moving and beautifully shot.

    My only complaint is that I would have liked to have gotten a better feel of Ian's relationship with th... read moree rest of the band, which seems to have been glossed over for the most part.

    I can't honestly say that the amazing visuals and emotional storyline would be enough for someone with no knowledge or love for the music of Joy Division to really enjoy this film.

    But if you are a fan, I think you will be pleased (and heart-broken) by this lovingly made tribute to Ian Curtis and the music of Joy Division.

View All Control Reviews

Critic Reviews

Bill Goodykoontz
December 7, 2007
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

[An] absorbing and ultimately harrowing look at Ian Curtis' short, unhappy life. Full Review

Andrea Gronvall
December 3, 2007
Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader

Sam Riley is fascinating as Curtis, a hypersensitive young man hobbled by his incurable disease, and Samantha Morton is poignant as his put-upon wife. Full Review

John Wenzel
November 3, 2007
John Wenzel, Denver Post

The film nails both the malaise and creative vigor of Curtis' short, bruised and chillingly relatable life. Full Review

Desson Thomson
November 1, 2007
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Though Curtis is hopelessly dysfunctional, photographer-turned-filmmaker Anton Corbijn makes us achingly aware of the singer's talent, the haunting poetry of his songs and how, living in the gloomy cu... Full Review

Richard Roeper
October 29, 2007
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

A film that perfectly captures the essence of the legendary and influential cult band Joy Division and its tragic lead singer, Ian Curtis.

Anthony Lane
October 27, 2007
Anthony Lane, New Yorker

Control" has an unmistakable pulse: a wiry, electric tension between the extraordinary spectacle of Curtis at maximum surge and the dented ordinariness of which his undear life, like ours, was mostly ... Full Review

Geoff Pevere
October 26, 2007
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

Joy Division has the movie that, for better or worse, lives up to the myth. Full Review

Peter Hartlaub
October 26, 2007
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle

Director Anton Corbijn seems determined not to let the music get in the way of the human story, and his fervor goes too far. Full Review

Steven Rea
October 26, 2007
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

The movie examines a life -- and a death -- without getting deep about it. The result is oddly exhilarating. Full Review

Rick Groen
October 26, 2007
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

A good movie that falls short of greatness by aping too well the behaviour of its subject -- occasionally brilliant, sometimes mundane. Full Review

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Control Trivia

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