While the two films follow the skyrocketing rise and fatal fall of Joy Division and Curtis, Control and Joy Division tell two unique stories in two unique visions.
Following a biopic format that traces the life of Curtis and his struggles with near-instant stardom, his battle with epilepsy and his melodramatic juggles with his wife and mistress, Control wows both Joy Division fans and newbies. Directed by photographer-cum-director Anton Corbijn, Control is completely shot in astonishingly beautiful black-and-white cinematography with breathtaking stills that convey Corbijn’s mastery of both static and moving film, while Sam Riley’s impeccable portrayal of Curtis’ spastically violent onstage paroxysms is creepily realistic.
Offering a more comprehensive look at an all-encompassing Joy Division history, the documentary-style Joy Division breathes new life into an old story. Directed more toward Joy Division buffs, the film comprises in-depth interviews with all the key players in the band’s timeline, including all the surviving band members and Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, as well as lesser-known characters like Peter Saville, who designed the infamous covers for Joy Division’s debut, Unknown Pleasures, and their final album, Closer. Complete with exciting, rare live footage and exclusive interviews, Joy Division easily stands as one of the most important chapters in rock ’n’ roll journalism.
Both films contain magnum operas as soundtracks composed of Joy Division classics, including “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and “She’s Lost Control,” and often overlooked tracks, such as “Atrocity Exhibition” and “Eternal.”
Grade: A
Control and Joy Division are currently available.