Hype: Control is a movie about the lead singer of the band Joy Division. I have never listened to Joy Division, but I really like bands that have been heavly influenced by them. The only thing I really know about them is that they were popular in the 80's and the lead singer commited suicide. From what I've read this movie is supposed to be real good, all the reviews for it have been excellent.
Initial Review: The movie Control is the story of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the post-punk band Joy Division. Ian is played by Sam Riley. Control starts out when Ian is 17 years old and first meets his future wife, Deborah (played by Samantha Morton). After they are married, Ian meets this band that is not happy about their singer so Ian decides he should be their new singer. The band ends up recording an EP and come up with the name Joy Division. The band performs live on this television and after that sign a record deal.
As the band starts to grow in popularity Ian and Deborah's marriage starts to suffer. After one of Joy Division's concerts Ian meets a journalist named Annik and immediately falls for her. Ian continues to see Annik behind his pregnant wife's back. Deborah ends up finding out about this affair, but stays with Ian.
During one of Joy Division's concert's Ian suffers from an epileptic seizure and is dragged off the stage. At the time there wasn't really treatment for epilepsy, it was just trial and error with a bunch of meds. Ian continues to suffer through these seizures. The seizures begin to put a lot of pressure on Ian and the band.
As Ian's world continues to collapse with the affair and seizures, he starts to get more and more depressed. Ian even tries to kill himself via alcohol poisoning. Ian's wife is able to get him to the hospital in time for the doctors to pump his stomach. Ian had left a note for his wife telling her that the fighting would now be over. After this suicide attempt Ian's life doesn't change for the better. Deborah ends up asking for a divorce and Ian moves back into his parent's home.
I was really surprised with this movie. The way Control was done, it doesn't matter if you have never heard of Joy Division or are a die-hard fan. Control is about Ian's life and how the pressures of the world around him lead him to commit suicide. Even if he wasn't in the band, the story would still be great.
Sam Riley was amazing in this movie. Sam really got into the role of Ian and made you believe you was depressed and suicidal. His stage presence was amazing. You could really believe Sam was a rockstar. After seeing Sam in this movie I am really looking forward to seeing him in other films.
Control was a great film. It was really interesting to learn about the lead singer of Joy Division and to see how they came and went so quickly. If you are a fan of Joy Division, I have a feeling you will love this movie. If you just love movies that deal with the dark sides of life you will enjoy this movie. Not many people know of Control, but it is a movie that you should totally check out.
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