The awful truth

Rating: 8/10 (20 February 2009)

I'm an American from Baltimore who used to be a rock critic for my Pennsylvania newspaper back in the eighties. I read an article in the New York Times by rock critic Robert Palmer (not the musician) headlined "Truly Compelling Rock and Roll." It discussed two bands, Joy Division the the Feelies.
I immediately bought records by both bands and was blown away. (The Feelies deserve a special article of their own and this is not the place).
Ian Curtis' sepulchral vocals immediately struck me on "Closer." I didn't even know he was already dead. I read in the Village Voice how he had hanged himself and was absolutely baffled. How could this voice be gone? I consider "Decades" the greatest accomplishment of a British art band. And I'm a fan of Bowie, Roxy and Peter Gabriel.
Watching this movie, I see all the stuff that crushes rock. I did not know Ian Curtis had a seizure condition. I did not know his conflicted romantic situation. I did not even know how much his personal life played into his music.
British vs. American rock. Where do you fall? False dichotomy. Are the Brits an echo, a mirror, a copy? No, they are an enhancement, a different vision. They return the favor.
Samantha Morton as Ian's wife. Wonderful. One of our great actresses. Check her out in "Minority Report."
Rock music is about a special kind of talent. It has little to do with actual skill with an instrument. It is democratic. It is shamanistic. Ian Curtis had it.
RIP, Ian.