Luke
My 'Control' Review
Jun 9, 2008
A fine film for those who understand the legend that is Ian Curtis and Joy Division.
I’m reading reviews on this film that have been both positive and negative, but agree with many that have written that you must be a fan of the group and understand a little about Ian’s motivations and problems to get the most from it. Coupled with that, you must also understand the time and the place. If you don’t, it is unlikely that you will be able to comprehend what all the fuss is about, let alone write a fair review for this film. I have read several books on the group, and have also read Deborah Curtis’s account in her book ‘Touching from a distance.’ My interest in the group also reached into my own musical performances. The band I was drummer for would always kick of every gig with a rendition of ‘No Love lost.’
‘Control’ is a look at the short, brilliant life of Ian Curtis from the years 1973 to 1980. At that time there was a major depression in the UK, particularly in the North of England. At this time it was not unusual for youngsters to have major angst and a feeling of despair with the state of the nation. This film shows that those feelings were often twinned with a glimmer of hope of breaking free of it. This picture is a look at all of those things. Coupled with a tragic end for Curtis, and a new, albeit uncertain beginning for the surviving members (who went on to form New Order.) Ironically New Order went on to be more successful, which makes this story even more incredible, given Curtis’s obvious genius.
The film is shot in Black and White mainly because most of the Joy Division photography from the time was shot in Black and White (A smart move by Corbjin). The actors play most of the music as a group in this film and I’m not sure if it’s ever been done as successfully as it’s done here. They actually gel pretty well, and its very impressive considering they only rehearsed for a few weeks.
The acting is very believable. Sam Riley as Ian Curtis is quite literally mind-blowing, Riley’s performance carries the film as the troubled, epileptic, genius singer songwriter of an up and coming band. Torn between his obligations as a husband and father, and his quest to be the quintessential rock and roll star. Samantha Morton fills the role of Deborah superbly. She plays Ian’s young wife and mother to newly born Natalie. She is the most humane character of the film, and is consistently and intensely worried about Ian’s state of mind throughout.
Other great performances come from Toby Kebbell as Rob Gretton (Joy Division’s spirited and dynamic manager.) and Joe Anderson as Peter Hook. In fact Anderson does a perfect impersonation of Hooky both physically and verbally, he also gets to be the hard- case of the group, especially when a fight breaks out because of Ian’s refusal to go on stage. It also provides some humor and allows some light in, despite the darkness of the film.
For me, the films end evoked deep emotion because of the fact that Ian was so young when he passed. However at the same time, it made me smile, because Joy Division’s legacy is all around us. They really put the Manchester music scene on the map and paved the way for the likes of The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, Oasis and many others. He also influenced Moby, and The Killers. With that said Ian’s death was a tragedy of a young man who could not cope, but what we can be thankful for from his life and his unfortunate death is the wonderful catalogue of music he left behind in such a short career and the many who he influenced and still influences today. Thank-you Ian.
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Advice to all..
May 20, 2008
'Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.'
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This Urban Sonic scores for animations.
May 16, 2008
Well the title says it all. Check out my videos and watch some of the animations I have lent my scoring talents too!
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As fish crawled onto the land..
May 5, 2008
Okay, so the story is that I have been working on two songs since the beginning of mankind, and that is partially true. 'Running deep' was written back when God was a little boy in 2001, but I just never recorded it. There is now a taster on my music page. The other track is 'Kaleidoscope in the desert' which Super-sub has begged me to record since the Jurassic period of 2003. That is coming along nicely and is the other taster on my music page.
'Running Deep' is a working class song, and about the quest for something more meaningful, but still having worked for it.
'Kaleidoscope in the desert' is a corny song about some plonker who downs his plane in the desert, and spends his time wondering about life and the woman he left behind. Personally I'd forget all that mate and start looking for water and a place to rest my weary head, but you know? It takes all sorts. I will supply virtual vomit bags upon its release..
All the best to my fan, erm fans out there..
Cheers,
TUS
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