Is this the best rock biopic ever?

Rating: 9/10 (20 October 2007)

I am a Joy Division fan, but I knew little about Ian Curtis' life until I saw this movie. It is a genuinely touching and beautifully shot portrait of the lead singer from one of the bands whose sound defined the 80's, and which is still being mentioned as an influence by today's bands. I was familiar with Anton Corbijn's work from the U2 albums and videos, and I was genuinely surprised with the quality of the end result, considering two things: this is his debut feature and another, not so obvious - he is a Dutchman and yet he captures perfectly the atmosphere of 70's north of England. No mean feat, I would say. As almost every English teenager in 1973, Ian Curtis wanted to be David Bowie. Then he meets Debbie, whom he married when he was still barely out of his teens. Pressures on family life, work, playing in a band and epilepsy eventually take its toll on Ian Curtis. If there is any justice in the world, this will do well at the Oscars - Sam Riley and Samantha Morton are superb in their roles and deserve nominations. Also the photography and soundtrack should be nominated, which would get Joy Division's music finally recognised in the United States by the wider audience which it deserves. I cannot honestly remember of a recent rock biopic which has been shot with such sensitivity and brilliance. Even for non-fans I would recommend this film. Johnny and June is also a fine movie, but Johnny Cash was no rock singer (even though he had he attitude and lifestyle of one). Oliver Stone made a real mess with The Doors - I wonder what Anton Corbijn would have done with that material, considering that there were some similarities in both band leaders - they were both charismatic, into poetry, and tormented with their demons. In short, I highly recommend it.