Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

The Beatles or the Rolling Stones are usually given credit for shaping rock music into what it is today. But there's one band, Joy Division, that has never had it's contribution to the genre fully recognized -- until now.

While other bands followed in the palatable sounds of bubble-gum pop music, Joy Division showed the world another genre of music: the post-punk movement. This is the premise to the film "Control" which delves into the band's beginning by focusing on front man Ian Curtis, played by Sam Riley.

"Control" is a stylized black and white biopic that shows the raw grittiness of 1970s northern England. Director Anton Corbijn used his talents as a still photographer for various bands to create a film that transcends the '70s to appeal to a 21st century audience. While many may have never heard of Joy Division or any of their music, it's a good bet one has heard music that was based off this band.

Joy Division was formed by Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner (James Anthony Pearson), Peter Hook (Joe Anderson) and Stephen Morris (Harry Treadaway). The band was inspired by the punk sound of the Sex Pistols. It's Ian's story that makes "Control" a wonderful film. It shows the pitfalls and hardships of stardom that could lead to an unfortunate demise.

The film is based on the autobiography of Deborah Curtis, Ian's widow, called "Touching from a Distance." In "Control" Samantha Morton plays Deborah, who must live through her young husband's infidelity, epilepsy and attempted suicides. Both Morton and Riley's performances as young teenagers in love whose relationship is exploited through Joy Division's success is fabulous. Riley in particular seemed to capture Ian's emotions and singing style in the most excellent way without overdoing his performance.

Without Corbijn's artistic directing style and honest acting, "Control" would have been a dull dud. Luckily this film is a must for anyone interested in Joy Division or New Order -- which was formed after the band's members split up -- or the post-punk movement.

In the mid-1970s in Manchester, England, Ian Curtis is trying to break his way into the music scene with influences by British punk bands. With the help of his friends and fellow musicians Bernard, Peter and Stephen, Joy Division began a new form of punk music that showcased a darker side to the genre.

Although his music was gloomy, Ian's relationship with girlfriend Deborah was anything but. They rushed into marriage as teenagers and seemed to have everything going for them until Ian met Annik Honoré (Alexandria Maria Lara), a young Belgian journalist. Ian and Annik began a torrid love affair that tore at Deborah, who became pregnant and had Ian's only daughter. Along with Ian's epilepsy, his affair began a long downward spiral that ended in the worst possible way.

Despite his personal and romantic problems, Ian and Joy Division were leading the way in a revolutionary style of music that influenced many bands such as U2 and The Smashing Pumpkins. Ian's vocal chops sounded similar to Jim Morrison from The Doors, but added a post-punk harsh rasp.

"Control" is a work of art while showing true sorrow through the eyes of an influential performer. Using black and white film instead of color gives "Control" an honest feel of that time period's musical genres.

missy@tooeletranscript.com