CONTROL

Control (2007) is a British biographical drama directed by Anton Corbijn, depicting the life and tragic demise of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division. The film stars Sam Riley as Ian Curtis, Samantha Morton as his wife, Deborah Curtis, Alexandra Maria Lara as Annik Honoré, and Joe Anderson as Joy Division’s bassist Peter Hook. The screenplay, written by Matt Greenhalgh, is based on Deborah Curtis’ memoir Touching from a Distance.
The film was praised for its stark black-and-white cinematography, evocative performances, and portrayal of Curtis’ struggles with epilepsy, personal relationships, and the pressures of fame.

The film begins in 1973 in Macclesfield, England, where a young Ian Curtis (Sam Riley) is a withdrawn and poetic teenager. He spends time writing in his notebooks, listening to David Bowie, and dreaming of an artistic escape from his small-town existence. While attending a local concert, he meets Deborah Woodruff (Samantha Morton), and the two quickly fall in love. Their relationship progresses rapidly, leading to their marriage while Ian is still in his late teens.

Ian’s passion for music grows as he settles into a monotonous job at an employment exchange. Along with friends Bernard Sumner (James Anthony Pearson), Peter Hook (Joe Anderson), and Stephen Morris (Harry Treadaway), he forms the band Warsaw, which later becomes Joy Division under the management of Rob Gretton (Toby Kebbell) and Tony Wilson (Craig Parkinson) of Factory Records. Their unique sound and Curtis’ mesmerizing, almost trance-like stage presence quickly earn them a following in the Manchester post-punk music scene.

However, as Joy Division’s success rises, Ian’s personal life begins to unravel. Deborah gives birth to their daughter Natalie, but Ian struggles with the responsibilities of fatherhood and marriage. At the same time, he begins an affair with Annik Honoré (Alexandra Maria Lara), a Belgian journalist who provides an intellectual and emotional escape from his troubled home life.

Compounding Ian’s difficulties is his epilepsy, which worsens under the demands of touring, performing, and recording. The medication prescribed to control his seizures has severe side effects, making him increasingly distant, moody, and overwhelmed by depression. His physical and mental health deteriorates as Joy Division prepares for their first North American tour. Feeling trapped between his responsibilities as a husband and father, his love for Annik, and the relentless pressure of his band’s success, Ian becomes increasingly isolated.

The film reaches its heartbreaking climax on May 18, 1980, the night before Joy Division is set to depart for the U.S. tour. Alone in his home, overwhelmed by despair and unable to reconcile his conflicting emotions, Ian hangs himself. His suicide is discovered by Deborah the following morning.

The film closes with Joy Division’s “Atmosphere” playing over a somber funeral procession and a final shot of Deborah standing alone, symbolizing the void left by Ian’s passing.

The film explores themes of mental illness, artistic pressure, love, and self-destruction, offering a deeply personal look into the life of an artist caught between ambition and inner torment.