Control 2007
"He had the spirit, but lost the feeling."
Anton Corbijn's *Control (2007)* immerses viewers in the haunting journey of Ian Curtis, the enigmatic frontman of Joy Division, from his teenage years in the early 1970s to the tragic end of his life in 1980.
Director: Anton Corbijn
Cast
Sam Riley
Ian Curtis
Samantha Morton
Debbie Curtis
Alexandra Maria Lara
Annik Honoré
Joe Anderson
Hooky
Toby Kebbell
Rob Greton
Craig Parkinson
Tony Wilson
James Anthony Pearson
Bernard Sumner
Harry Treadaway
Steve Morris
Robert Shelly
Twinny
Andrew Sheridan
Terry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Control (2007) about?
*Control* traces the rise and fall of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division, as he navigates the pressures of fame, a failing marriage, and a debilitating illness. The film culminates in his heartbreaking suicide just before the band's first U.S. tour, leaving behind a legacy of music that still resonates decades later.
Who directed Control?
Anton Corbijn directed *Control*. Known for his work as a photographer and music video director, Corbijn brings a uniquely cinematic eye to this intimate portrait of Joy Division.
Who stars in Control?
The film stars Sam Riley as Ian Curtis, alongside Samantha Morton as his wife Deborah, Alexandra Maria Lara as journalist Annik Honoré, and Joe Anderson in a supporting role.
Is Control (2007) worth watching?
Absolutely, if you appreciate deeply personal dramas with emotional weight. Sam Riley's transformative performance anchors the film, and Corbijn's direction captures the era with authenticity. While not an easy watch, it's a poignant tribute to a musical icon whose life ended too soon.
How long is Control?
The runtime is 121 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
Control (2007) Review — The Tragic Genius of Ian Curtis
Anton Corbijn's *Control (2007)* immerses viewers in the haunting journey of Ian Curtis, the enigmatic frontman of Joy Division, from his teenage years in the early 1970s to the tragic end of his life in 1980. A visually striking drama, the film captures the raw energy of post-punk Manchester, the intoxicating highs of artistic creation, and the suffocating weight of personal demons. With a moody, atmospheric tone, *Control* explores themes of fame, mental health, and the fragility of genius, all set against a backdrop of smoky venues and restless nights. Sam Riley delivers a powerhouse performance as Curtis, embodying both his magnetic charisma and inner torment, while Samantha Morton and Alexandra Maria Lara bring depth to the women who shaped his life.
Based on Curtis's widow Deborah's memoir, *Touching from a Distance*, the film blends tender intimacy with stark realism, revealing how a man could be adored by millions yet feel utterly alone. Corbijn, a longtime friend of the band, crafts a tribute that's as poetic as it is unflinching, honoring Curtis's legacy without glorifying his fate.
