Deep and Poetic

Rating: 9/10 (3 December 2007)

There is really no other way to describe this movie but as that.
I really had no super high expectations going to see Control, seeing I only knew 2 of Joy Division's songs: Transmission and She's Lost Control (which was the inspiration for the title), and practically knew nothing about the band or Ian's turbulent life- let alone that he committed suicide. But suppose that's what made the movie even more enjoyable and surprisingly spectacular.
Sam Riley who portrays Ian Curtis was superb and spot on, and suppose so was Samantha Morton as his wife Debbie (even though her role was not as heroic and was actually quite annoying in some parts of the movie- but suppose that was her role so kudos for doing it so well).
I also loved the fact that the movie was shot in black and white which added to the poetic landscapes, enhanced the mood and the effects of the time it was set in. In a lot of autobiographical movies on music singing and performing scenes can be the demise of the film (either cuz the actor is not as good as portraying the performer or it doesn't feel real, or is simply comes of as out of place and forced), but in this movie the music scenes were perfectly collaborated and performed by everyone involved.
Once again, Sam Riley was spectacular at both Ian's impersonation of movements and voice, as well as his mannerism and the turbulent personal life- battling with responsibilities of family (leaving his loveless marriage with Debbie for another woman), the growing pressures of band and performances into which he pours all of himself, and of course the struggle with frequent seizures that threaten to take over his life completely.
Overall, I would recommend this movie not only to music fans but anyone looking for a deep, realistic and moving picture.