Mini Review - Control

Directed by acclaimed photographer Anton Corbijn, “Control” stars newcomer Sam Riley as Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis, who sadly committed suicide in 1980 at the age of 23.
Based on the book by Ian's wife, Deborah, the film covers the last seven years of Curtis' life, from when he first meets and marries Debbie (Samantha Morton) as a Macclesfield teenager, through the formation of the band and their rise to fame.

But this is more than a rags to riches to coffin film. The film spends a lot of time detailing Curtis’ struggle with epilepsy, and more tragically his attempts to juggle his loving wife and child with his more glamorous mistress Annik Honore.
The film is shot in gorgeous black and white, recalling the rock documentaries of the 1960’s. All of this helps make a stunning directorial debut for Corbijn, even more impressive is that he was closely involved with photographing Curtis and Joy Division in the 1980s.

Riley is awards worthy as Curtis, he beautifully captures his stage presence and the musical performances are even more impressive since Riley does his won singing. But where he really shines is in the quieter yet agonising private conflicts. Perhaps in a less crowded Best Actor race, he would be a shoo-in for an Oscar nom.

Some people have said that Samantha Morton is under written and comes across as weak. This is just pure ignorance of reviewers. Debbie is typical of most young girls in the UK at this time. She married a man out of love and has had to adapt to his ever-changing life style. Never complaining out of fear of rocking the boat, she becomes almost invisible (there are heartbreaking scenes when she calls for him and is ignored, and you see the hurt and sorrow in her eyes).
She has had his baby and looks forward to every moment her husband can be bothered to spend with them. She does not nag or push him at first because she does not want to loose the man she loves so she becomes a ghost wife.


Morton beautifully captures Debbie from giggling teenager to frustrated and lonely all-too-soon-housewife and mother. This is another fantastic performance from Morton, and another performance that will go unnoticed. At the end, when a frantic and stunned Debbie cries for help, we cry with her because this is far from the life she wanted when she said “I do”.
The script is possibly the weakest link. Although it packs a lot into it’s running time, and avoids a lot of music biopic clichés, it does suffer from some rather flat dialogue, which the actors desperately try to cover up but the cracks still show.

In saying that, “Control” is one of the best musical bio-pics to come out in a long time. This makes larger budget films like “Ray” and “Walk The Line” look like the shallow and polished films they are. Then again British film has never been afraid of showing the grit and dirt of life.

However this film is received, it boast impeccable timing for mirroring current situations. Being young is hard enough, you are dealing with rampant emotions, insecurities and hormones. Throw fame into this mix can be a self destroying, even deadly combination. It is no wonder so many young entertainers are unable to cope especially today with our celebrity obsessed media and the internet.
While watching “Control” I couldn’t help but have the very grim thought of how the life stories of Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse will play out. Which one would be dead first?

Rating: B-