Weekend Rental: "Control"

 

Control, out on DVD this week, is the story of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the band Joy Division, who committed suicide at the age of 23. Director Anton Corbijn, widely known as a rock photographer, elegantly chronicles the tale of Ian’s life and eventual death in crisp black and white images. The film intently focuses on the character of Curtis, not the band per se, and in doing so Corbijn was able to capture quiet moments of vulnerability and introspection where Curtis (played by Sam Riley) battles his inner demons.  If you are a fan of Joy Division, New Order, or the many bands that have been influenced by them, or if you’re a biography junkie, rent this movie. Control is largely based on the novel Touching From a Distance by Curtis’ widow, Deborah, and is backed by an outstanding soundtrack.

~Renata