Lacks depth, but some great moments.

Rating: 6/10 (9 July 2011)

As usual, my review is posted years after the actual film release. However, no less valid because of that. Sometimes years have to pass to get over the initial hype of a movie and that can make them easier to review. There have been oh so many reviews written about this movie, some have valid points but are overly long and therefore, I will try and be brief.
The film is beautifully shot in black and white, exquisite cinematography.
It doesn't feel like a traditional 'rock star' bio-pic, not enough sex and drugs for that! Musically, it is genius. The fact that it is actually the actors singing and playing instead of Joy Division is very impressive. Sam Riley does a perfect job of portraying Ian Curtis on-stage. Having never met Ian Curtis off-stage, I have no idea if he was really as ineffectual in real life as he appears in this movie. He just didn't appear to have any real drive or passion. Perhaps we are supposed to think this is the depression that causes this? I can't say I came away from watching with any real insight into Ian Curtis, I still wouldn't be able to say what really made him tick. (Oh and a confession, I found Samantha Morton's portrayal of Deborah a total bore).
If you aren't a fan of Joy Division and don't know the story this film won't enlighten you. The other members of the band are reduced to extra's and you really don't have a clue who they are (unless you have prior knowledge).
This is really quite a flimsy movie, not much substance to it. I did enjoy it, it does not glamourise suicide as others have suggested. It is such a waste of life. This movie does not really explain why Ian Curtis committed suicide. If you are looking for answers and a more in-depth look at Ian Curtis and Joy Division, look elsewhere.
That said, it is the best bio-pic I have seen this year, so far.