October 2007

FILM:
CONTROL

So a band shrouded in mystery are coming up on the big screen for everyone to see. First time director and famous photographer Anton Corbijn is a long-time Joy Division fan and sympathetic auteur, having worked with the Mancunian quartet back when he shot the Love Will Tear Us Apart video, and Control tells the story superbly, capturing both the reality and the enduring enigma. Below are 10 reasons to go see:

Anton Corbijn emigrated to the UK from his native Holland specifically to pursue Joy Division (and not just because he was bored with Dutch bands).

It documents the only certified rock classic ever fuelled entirely by Vimto - it was all producer Martin Hannett had in the studio.

It will remind certain modern copyists just how far they still have to go.

Ian Curtis' other woman, Annik Honoré, is played by Alexandra Maria Lara, last seen as Hitler's secretary, Traudl Junge, in Downfall. They just can't stay away from those Nazis, can they?

Watching Sam Riley (Curtis) and the rest's knuckle-crunchingly accurate renditions of the songs is the closest you'll get to seeing Joy Division live.

It features magnificent Manc punk poet John Cooper Clarke, as himself. JCC is having a grand year - his Chickentown featured in the last series of The Sopranos.

When you realise Curtis' suicide scene is shot in the actual house where it happened you'll be chilled to the bone.

It's already won three awards - two in Edinburgh and one in Cannes.

Contrary to initial speculation, it does not feature Jude Law in the starring role.

Tony Wilson RIP.

Click here to view the trailer