this man is a rock star

Ian Curtis biopic, Control, hits shelves in DVD formation next Tuesday. For upcoming birthdays, a great gift.

(via GQ) Nominated for a record-breaking ten British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) and winner of five, Control, one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2007, comes to a DVD player near you on 4 June. The film tells the story of Joy Division’s lead singer Ian Curtis, who committed suicide at the age of 23 despite the success of the band, who subsequently went on to become New Order. Based on Touching From A Distance, a biography written by Curtis’ wife Deborah, Control is the first full-length feature by Anton Corbijn, well known for his photography and music video work with U2 and Depeche Mode. Corbijn deservedly won Best Film, Best Director and Best Debut Director, while Best Actor and first-time lead Sam Riley is a revelation as Curtis, playing opposite veteran Brit actress Samantha Morton. Tony Kebbell picked up Best Supporting Actor as Factory Records boss Tony Wilson, while the actors playing the other band members actually learnt to play the music, resulting in a new take on the inevitably superb soundtrack. But Control is not solely for Joy Division devotees, says Corbijn: “It’s not a music film – at least not in my eyes. Control is a personal film.” Jamie Millar

Review | Anthony Lane (The New Yorker)

Review | A.O. Scott (NYT)

Review | Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian)

Clip | Q & A with Anton Corbijn, Sam Riley, & Alexandra Maria Lara

Buy | Amazon

Posted by Pan Tostado on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 1:58 PM