Having been on a roll with watching music biopics recently (this, 'Sid and Nancy', 'What's Love Got To Do With It', '24 Hour Party People', 'Great Balls of Fire!', 'I'm Not There', 'Notorious' and 'Nowhere Boy'), 'Control' of those films was the best.Like most of the films mentioned, 'Control' is a divisive film, most loved it while others disliked it. As said, personally was one of the people who loved 'Control'. Not going to say that 'Control' is perfect because it isn't. It does drag and lose momentum in the final quarter and it did run out of gas at the end in terms of pace and drama where things got predictable.However, 'Control' is an excellently made film, every part of the cinematography and images beautifully framed. There is a real evocativeness of it all. The music is absolutely exceptional as to be expected.Enjoyed the surprisingly earthy humour, while dramatically there is a lot of heart, affecting intimacy and humanity. Those elements that director Anton Corbijn brought was a huge part of the film's appeal. Corbijn directs very strongly.Sam Riley is utterly convincing as Curtis, a multi-layered and moving performance that balances Curtis' hyperactive stage persona and tortured personal life without a qualm. Matching him every step of the way is Samantha Morton in a poignant and resilient turn that one can really relate to.In summary, excellent and the standout biopic on viewing music biopics recently. My favourite biopics ever are 'Amadeus' and 'The Elephant Man'. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Given the fact that I am a lover of the band Joy Division , there are things that are absolutely out for a deliberately "essay film" as this movie wanted to be:1)Disgusting scene of farts before one concert; 2)Apart from Ian Curtis, the rest of the band is portrayed as a mass of idiots and useless pricks; 3)It is very obvious the influence of Ian Curtis' widow who wrote the book on which is based the movie, in addition to being a co-producer . Everything takes place under the widow's point of view:it is symptomatic that none of the alive members of the band is involved in the production crew. 4)Anton Corbijn, the always sought-after director of many wonderful musical videos , with this film has lost his touch. Four points of view that add up to the vote that I expressed for this film. Thanks

A story about a tormented young singer committing suicide on the verge of stardom is bound to have a certain appeal. However, the risks of falling into melodramatic or morbid are high. Corbijn avoids both, directing this minor masterpiece with restrain and respect for all those involved.I loved the B&W photography. It recreates the atmosphere of those years, which seem long gone, the bleak but bubbling music scene, and the excitement about the new wave just about to explode. Youth having everything and not realizing how fragile life is.Ian Curtis was a particularly fragile creature, both because of his epilepsy and his problem with communication. A confused boy without guidance, who wrote some of the most depressing lyrics ever, he still has a huge following. Maybe because his anguish is universally understood.I am not a Joy Division fan, nor was I particularly shocked by Ian Curtis early departure. However, this movie is so well made that made listen again to their music. After more than 25 years their songs sound even more claustrophobic and depressing and I wonder how Curtis would have developed as a singer.Had he lived, I doubt he could have transitioned easily into the light-hearted pop atmosphere of the late 80's. By checking out so early he became unforgettable. Even more so, with this sober but poignant movie celebrating his short time on earth.

Control, the story of Ian Curtis, singer of British alternative band Joy Division. The film is made in black and white, which adds a certain edge to the film. There isn't much drama or fast-paced scenes (until the very end, I guess), and that seems to be what everyone criticizes about the movie. Why do you think the director wanted it black and white? If it had been a sincerely boring film, why release it? Of course they made up some aspects of Ian's life, but the fact is that Ian was a dull, depressed human being. He couldn't handle love, or fame overall. He doesn't show signs of emotion in the film, and doesn't speak much at all. Truth is, black and white was exactly what he saw, while he was spiraling towards the end of his life. The acting is incredible. Absolutely spot on. Very very noteworthy.I enjoyed Control, but that's only because I love indie films and rock and roll movies. If you're looking into this movie expecting some delicious drama and edge-of-your-seat thrills, just don't watch it. It's about a man who gradually fell apart, who gradually lost control. And if you can't see that in the film, it's definitely not worth watching.