Ian Curtis's Biopic is Genius and Here's Why

[@BlackSwan0203]

The sad fact about this movie is that Anton Corbyn had to sell his house in London after the movie was not as commercially successful as expected. He had to move back to the Netherlands. That is particularly sad since he moved to London because he loved Joy Division and wanted to become a music photographer and therefore moved to London to pursue his dream. The shots he took of Joy Division were some of the first he made and sold to newspapers. I believed he shot another movie with Robert Pattinson after this but has gone back to Photography and music videos.

[@KrisBryant99]

WHAT?????

[@Ulyssmusic]

He made a movie with George clooney “The american” quite good too

[@CDSarahMillward]

Shame - it was one of the best ever rock biopics. Great film, a personal favorite.

[@dearlittleheart]

Sam had Ian's mannerisms on stage spot on. I loved that they also used Barton Street in the movie. Macclesfield is actually really depressing and cold. I also like that the last scene of the movie pans upwards from the exact spot where Ian's grave is located in the cemetery.

[@User-mj9hv]

One of the other aspects that set Control apart from other music biopics is that the actors are actually singing and playing the instruments, zero miming.

[@diggerthegroundhog8799]

Control is a brilliant piece of art. So perfectly made. The band is mesmerizing. So realistic.

[@petermeredith3873]

This is brilliant, especially the analysis of the camera work and how it conveys Ian's isolation. I can't believe the director hadn't done a feature film before... wow this is a really good video you've brought many things to my attention

[@toddmichaelsen788]

Please Hollywood never ever do a Nirvana biopic. Great breakdown btw.

[@cremetangerine82]

Yeah, as a huge Nirvana fan, there’s just not going to be a movie that will feel satisfying to me.

[@meep9231]

I feel like that in order to do it, it’d have to be set in Dave grohl’s perspective

[@dafm1122]

There is a film called Last Days that is based on Kurt but is not necessarily about him

[@cremetangerine82]

@@dafm1122 I don’t count that one.

[@meep9231]

@@cremetangerine82 yeah me neither

[@Johnmrobinson-vb5vd]

The really dark thing about Ian Curtis is that he didn’t have that out of the ordinary childhood no dark past or hidden trauma so all that darkness in his songs come from within him not a horrible tragedy in his youth it was his relatively normal life which is probably why he was so obsessed with the darker side of literature

[@Johnmrobinson-vb5vd]

@@RBGRBGRBGRBG it means the darkness of his songs didn't come from some hidden trauma but from his own soul

[@Johnmrobinson-vb5vd]

@@RBGRBGRBGRBG for most people it is

[@AtrocityEquine01]

Ian was a rather complex figure despite his normal life. It seemed that despite having an okay upbringing, he seemed to a somber mentality. Ironic considering his old band mates mentioned that he was a pretty funny, if snarky motherfucker.

[@Johnmrobinson-vb5vd]

@@AtrocityEquine01 yeah that's what makes him interesting

[@maxcritchley619]

You don't need to have something terrible to happen to you to feel depressed. Especially in northern England.

[@cremetangerine82]

I appreciate biopics that are willing to show the warts and all of the subject’s character. A biography is not a hagiography, it should deal with fallible humans who make mistakes. On the other hand, the audience needs to feel some empathy and should understand where this person is coming from. To me, one of my favorite biopics is “Raging Bull”, which is unflinching in depicting the worst elements of boxer Jake LaMotta. Yet, you understand the brutality of LaMotta at the same time.

[@AtrocityEquine01]

A little interesting fact on your comment about Natalie Curtis's POV in the movie (just being an enigmatic figure in her life) is that despite that, Natalie seemed to have no negative feelings towards Ian. In her own review of the movie on the Guardian (since she did write for them), she explained her criticisms of the movie on how she felt they never really went more into detail about Ian as a person and such, however she did admit that she, in her own words, is "protective of her father", arguably still loving him even if he was just a small figure in her life, even if it was because his life was cut short as she was born (she was born literally a year before his death in 1979), although I think Deborah did argue that Ian feared holding Natalie due to his epilepsy.

[@alexysagredano675]

This was the first biopic of a band/artist that I watched. This movie solidify my love for Joy Division even more. I saw scenes of the movie before I got it and when I got it, it didn’t disappoint. I was in awe of how really moody and dark the movie was and that’s the reason I love it so much. I haven’t watched any other music biopics yet but I don’t there will ever be a music biopic that’ll top Control for me.

[@hamishmcdonald7275]

40 years! Wow. Em, this is wonderful, so poetic, insightful, and thoughtful. Ian created such a legacy. You’ve rekindled memories of his brilliance, struggles, and yearnings. The genius of Ian is with you!

[@Emiloid]

Thank you for your kind words! ^^

[@iintroverse]

I wish this vid was longer... great job

[@TheInfamousLegend27]

just found a way to finally watch this and i was in tears by the end of it. never had that reaction to a musical biopic before and i can't regret not watching it sooner enough. thank you for giving me a new favourite movie :)

[@SleepingLionUK]

How did u watch it?

[@hvhvgitaar]

Just found this now, in 2024. Excellent comment and analysis. Born in the early 60’s JD was the soundtrack of my youth and I still remember exactly where I stood and what I felt when I first heard JD’s Transmission and the day I heard Closer in the record store. Thanks

[@MrUndersolo]

I watched this film's premiere at a festival in Montréal...and somehow ended up walking past a church and actually stepping inside for a moment. It was completely empty and I just had to sit for a moment. Not sure what to make of that. Thank you for this one. Oh, and one interesting fact: the actors did play their instruments on film!

[@zimriel]

If I may dare: This movie (based on Mrs Curtis' book) is about how a man will destroy himself if he is plagued by guilt and self-pity. The church you entered was likely a church as offers Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ian did not avail himself of this gift freely-given by our Lord.

[@GothicTonic]

It's like you took the words right out of my mouth and said them a whole lot better! Thank you!

[@jagvirgill5604]

Just watched it today, Ian's story is so tragic, rest in piece Ian Curtis, you were taken from us too soon.

[@zackbronson4533]

Thank you, Emily. I’ve been waiting for this video for a long time. It’s like you knew him.

[@unaeki]

This is probably one of the best video essays I’ve seen yet.

[@rashadrussell9469]

As a big fan of Joy Division I loved everything about the movie even Ians last song atmosphere make's me cry every time I hear it.

[@Mr.Steve-O]

bought the DVD when it came out, Sam did a fantastic job of playing Ian, it's one of the best music films I've ever seen

[@alex11v3]

Control and Love and Mercy(the biopic from Brian Wilson from Beach Boys) are the best biopics ever made.

[@diana.po.]

Yes, exactly!

[@fritzidler9871]

"Control" is the most objective biopic I have ever seen. Never read the book, but did read a number of customer reviews. Most readers felt Ian's wife was being fair. I agree. Even though I have limited information. Because she was involved with the movie, and find it could not be more even handed. There is no romanization, or exploitation in this movie. Must be a reason why these two people wound up married to each other. She was just more grounded than Ian. This movie is the exact equivalent of Joy Division's music. Stark, black, white, and gray. All conveying Joy Division's music of touching from a distance. To be fair to other biopics, the singers or bands depicted, tend to be more upbeat. Known more for joy than division. But they sure could stand to be less saccharin, no doubt about it.

[@nicolaemadalinboboc6704]

Except it doesnt fit with how people who knew him described him. He was described as a friendly and polite dude who would try to act like everything is fine as to not disturbe others. He wasnt a brooding dude carring his despair with him in his interactionS, but somewhat putting up a very agreeable persona to avoid talking about his issues. The Ian Curtis from the movie just seems like the stereotype of a depressed rocker.

[@ingibjornbjornsson4958]

Love this video. Have bin listening alot to Joy Division this week and yeah just bumped on this video and yeah love it and i love this movie. Saw it in a movie festival in Canada while i was traveling around the world. Gonna check out more of your videos 👍😊

[@-_Luciano_-]

it’s unbelievable how much of a fan of joy division’s you are. this is amazing

[@Montano214]

La Bamba is a also a very good biopic about Ritchie Valens. The ending is gut wrenching 😅

[@renzocheesman862]

Sam Riley was brilliant in this role, like really brilliant. I feel he was underrated. Ps: I am so glad I found your channel, it really is quality content

[@firebladeclements]

I'm from that era, and his lyrics scared an unsettled me! For him not being able to connect with others is just heartbreaking. A spot 99% of us could never imagine. Just one buddy was all he needed, damn!

[@aboutsoundandvision]

I recently watched this movie with my friend who was not familiar with the band. The film left a great impression with both of us, and my friend even commented that it was able to convey a compelling story even without context to the history of the band prior to watching. I agree with you that many music biopics have a tendency to blend together and feel homogenous. Control felt deeply personal and beautifully framed.

[@SacredSingingLondon]

Very insightful

[@SomeRandomHobo44]

Wow, I really like how analytical you got here! Don't think I really would've been able to have eloquently said, like you did, why Control is such a fantastic film (especially in comparison to other music biopics).

[@victoriabest4741]

Just brilliant, Emily! Beautifully expressed, heartfelt and so insightful.

[@Emiloid]

Thank you Victoria! 😊

[@night_speed]

Yes this film is brilliant in so many ways. In fact my only nit pick was the eye color of the actor playing Ian Curtis but honestly who cares? The black and white was such a good choice that whenever I watch actual footage of Joy Division performances it doesn't look right to me in color. This is a really good analysis but I had a different interpretation of the scene with the baby in the crib. I saw that shot as Ian feeling like choosing to domesticate so young and his wife and child as a sort of prison. I think that shot was more about his feelings rather than how his daughter sees him.

[@gustavogoesgomes1863]

from the scene perspective, it looks like ian is locked behind bars. and he directly mentions in the eternal that he feels trapped by fatherhood. "cry like a child though these years make me older/ with children my time is so wastefully spent/ a burden to keep, though their inner communion/ accept like a curse an unlucky deal".

[@liampendergast8670]

For me this is less of a music bio and more of a psychological thriller about a man's descent into madness.

[@zimriel]

That seems to be how Mrs Curtis saw it, as well.

[@milow-cl9kt]

My main complaint about Control is there were too many times the overall look and feel of it felt anachronistic, and every character seemed like a weird caricature from a 2007 American Apparel ad, which kind of took me out of the moment in many parts. I was puzzled Anton Corbijn went that route with costuming (but I guess he wanted it to appeal more to the target audience of the time of it's release, since it wasn't a wide release), I didn't feel the actors who played Stephen Morris and Peter Hook too convincing, look wise, although Joe Anderson's acting was stellar, and his sardonic take on Peter kind of tied the script together. I almost feel the Joy Division parts on 24-hour party people, when watched back to back with Control, compliment each other, and I felt the best elements of both brought out a better story overall. A little mythology is peppered in both and some of it is great. Maybe I'm just not entirely convinced the perfect Joy Division biopic is possible.

[@zimriel]

This is however the perfect Curtis-family biopic. To the extent we wanted one. (I wanted one.)

[@ricky1nunez]

@emiloid He says why his favorite color is blue. He says, “Blue, Man City blue.” He’s talking about Manchester City’s (his favorite football /soccer team) shade of blue from their kit/jersey.

[@eboethrasher]

thankyou.gif

[@River13Sky]

I cant help but watch this video every couple of months. You've really made me appreciate and love this movie and Joy Division so much.

[@tien4930]

Thank you! I feel like whenever people critizize biopics it's seen as an attack on the artist themselves. When really i have no problem with Freddy Mercury. Just the blatant and in my opinion quite disgusting way the movie is trying to tug on your heartstrings.

[@amppma7302]

oh okay, and control doesn't play on your emotions? give me a break. that scene with the baby supposedly looking at him from her crib? Curtis offed himself, the ultimate selfish act and we are supposed to deify him? It is a great film but not at the expense of all other musical biopics

[@tien4930]

@@amppma7302 Who said anything about deifying Curtis? He was plenty flawed. I never said ‘all musical biopics’ either. You’re arguing with someone who isn’t here.

[@amppma7302]

@@tien4930 oooh, someone's a bit defensive. I was making the point that few, if any, biopics are without sentimentality. The video we are all discussing mentions several other musician-centric biopics. That was my reason for pluralizing. clearly you didn't/don't like bohemian rhapsody. I get it dude, just take it down a notch

[@michaelchen2718]

This film meant so much to me.

[@jenifermullin7168]

"what truly made them burn so bright🌟". Well put. And I really appreciate your understanding and relaying to us what did* make this such a great movie/biography about Ian, and the band He wrote and sang for. So well done! Very well spoken and a lot of great insight in comparing this film to others, about the central figure, that You walk away from thinking- and sometimes feeling a bit let down. I didn't feel that way with 'Control'. It was a very* good movie, and I(with my very limited knowledge of the actual suffering he* went through physically and mentally)...feel like I connected with His struggle within. And that requires Great Acting and Directing, as You also mentioned. Thank You👏🖤

[@cynthianovoselsky3511]

Thank you for explaining how amazing this movie is and how it felt being a fan❤

[@beathaven303]

The difference between Control and other music biopics is that the director was extremely passionate about the band rather than seeing it as just another film.

[@NedTheCrackHead9999]

I think there is a way to do great biopics movies, instead of just cramming in they’re whole life into a 2 hour movie just pick one story from said artist or band that says more about them than they’re whole career would or find a story and redesign and restructure it and give it character development or even a glimpse of it that doesn’t set up anything in the movie but instead the audience will understand the real life development of said person because it’s already happened, something that tells you about the person the movie is based off, like imagine if bohemian rhapsody took place in the days weeks or even months leading up to live aid, Freddie contemplating about even playing while the whole thing of him having aids isn’t said words or dialogue instead you can see the fear on his face while we also shoves it off, you can show the band being on edge, get to now what predicament they’re in as people, show practices where they’re struggling to play songs they had not played in a while, yous get to know so much more about a person by one story in they’re life instead of a they’re whole life story, like if you did a nirvana bio pic you could do it based around them before they play they’re unplugged gig and that can be the climax of the movie, one story gives a director more room to make a good movie

[@saeedrashed2493]

I get the feeling that I will be revisiting this perfect video essay often. Thank you for covering this masterpiece, all of the points you made grounded my adoration for this film in the healthiest way possible.

[@mercedesm3666]

I wish I had found this video earlier, such a fantastic analysis. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@WrangleMcDangle]

what an amazing analysis. thank you. ian curtis will live forever :)

[@Brosenbrose]

Okay, I definitely need to rewatch this film.

[@zcraw4874]

Absolutely 100% agree with you, Control is the best biopic I have ever seen!!!!

[@argon6548]

Very insightful review, I hope I get to see the movie sometime.

[@suumcuique4530]

Wow, okay i have to watch this movie. I love that it is in black and white. Great video, thank you stranger!

[@clemencezagorski71]

Very clever analysis - especially about words (the lack of communication & the communication with the songs lyrics) & the Anton's intentions - thank you.

[@musicisgoodforthesoul999]

I agree... Control was one of the best music biopic films I've ever seen.

[@maganacarta9900]

Just ran across this. This video was well done. Thanks!

[@christophernickel6698]

Control was great. Peter hook said they had a lot of stuff that was off, but as a film it was brilliant.

[@zimriel]

IIRC Hook helped with the script. Although, yeah, to become a movie to be watched in one sitting, and since this was the Curtis movie rather than a band movie, there were decisions as had to be made to make the script, a script.

[@freebee8221]

you had great points, i didnt care about the movie that much but now i wanna rewatch it.

[@paddygalloway8780]

GREAT video essay. Really enjoyed it.

[@laylavladi]

Such a beautiful video… ♡

[@AaronIacon]

Saw this 3 times in cinema. Loved every second.

[@annajeter8726]

This us such a beautiful and honest explanation of this film

[@jess60b]

Such a beautiful vídeo and preciseness of words... thanks

[@MrZachgonz]

Control and Love And Mercy are the only music biopics I ever liked. I agree that Bohemian Rhapsody was one of the worst I have seen, runner ups being The Doors and England is Mine.

[@jchang.y]

I LOVE YOUR JOY DIVISION AND BOOK VIDEOS, I LOVE THIS VIDEO ITS A GREAT ANALYSIS :)

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Thanks for opening my eyes about the music biopics and why CONTROL is different.

[@steveworth5757]

Good video. Love Joy Division and grew up in that era. Sam Riley did a great job playing Ian.

[@ultankearns]

Really good analysis, Control is one of my favourite films.

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

I agree with everything you have said about this film, perhaps I'm biased as a life long JD fan

[@glenngastonjonsson7954]

Lots of love for your reaction. In my opinion, Ians presentation of his lyrics could only exist within the system of Joy Division. Not very rewarding for his the life outside the band or what one would call the real life. But his words still resonate within me, an old man of 55, and have done so for many years now.

[@bradleyhaynes4023]

Incredibly underrated, class video loved it

[@treridings]

Emily, perfect analysis of an incredible movie. Bravo...bravo. By far the best biopic released to date...and Anton's work was amazing. Huge thank you for posting your thoughts on it!

[@Keith-c8p]

SADLY THEY SHOULD MADE THIS FILM MUCH MUCH MORE BETTER A STORY OF A MAN WHO GOT LOSE IN THIS JUNK WORLD 🌍😭

[@Sarasouratee]

Beautifully made breakdown, thank you! I was a big fan of this band and just read Andrew McCarthy’s book brat: an 80’s story. I am thoroughly convinced that the music and movie industry of that time became more and more an instrument of exploiting the youth. People like Ian just got a direct ticket to heaven. They were spared the indignity of having to work for the devil all their lives.

[@beatrizdepirro5495]

I came here after watching your little woman video and absolutely loved both videos! you have a new subscriber

[@Emiloid]

Aww thank you! 😊

[@marcmetcalfe1820]

Wow! I'm really impressed by your analysis- especially as a objective person. That's really made me think about the other bio-pics I've seen.

[@somedude2384]

Phenomenal video.

[@boxermccoy]

great takes on the criticisms!

[@Jalurdarat]

ian curtis face = sad and cool at the same time

[@otrovato_musica]

And Creepy

[@durango-CODEBUILDER]

Love and Mercy is another good one.

[@DiogenesUlyanov]

this was beautifully done

[@stvartak7164]

Excellent narration @Emiloid

[@TomHuckACAB]

Great editing ....

[@mikedouglas9863]

This was great!! ❤

[@supertimerip]

This was an amazing video. You just earned a subscriber. :)

[@BaylenRailey]

Fantastic review

[@onyx747]

At about 8:30 you can see Sam Riley's mouth twitch like he almost smiled. It's a nice touch and I think it conveys how Ian loves his daughter but doesn't know how to express it

[@seanmitchell2344]

Well done!! Very honest and honest view.

[@Skoobypoo]

Hello Dear Author! You have nailed every musical biopic movie to a T. I could not agree more with all of your comments. To this day, Control moves me like no other movie genre has. You nailed the other movies, but to be honest a win from a small town loser to singing in front of X thousands is a winning movie formula. Your comments resonate with me. Thank you for opening others eyes as you did mine.

[@catones2868]

Have enjoyed Joy Division for decades. When it first came out, I tried to watch it and felt bored. But just rewatched it and loved it. You feel the sterile coldness of Greater Manchester. I also didn’t appreciate Sam Riley’s performance because I didn’t think he looked like Ian Curtis. But rewatching it, there are certain scenes where Ian Curtis’ state of mind is breaking down where he looks exactly like him. As much as I appreciated this movie upon rewatching it 15 years later, I adored the humorous acting of Toby Kebbell as the band manager Rob Gratton.

[@williamking3583]

10:05 he says blue because they are the colours worn by Man City who are the team he supported

[@waz3128]

haha, I'm not sure if she could make out that he says ''Man City blue'' being a yank

[@eboethrasher]

@@waz3128 I'm from Ohio in the US, and people tend to think us a backwater state, but like MLS and knew precisely who Man City are the moment I heard it in the theater. Almost started to follow them at the time as I never had an EPL side, but then they went and got all bandwagon-y just like Man U.

[@Noloveforspectre]

this is the movie that handshaked me into Joy Division.... id read about them before but i caught this movie one night and was hooked in

[@teenspirit9012]

Brilliant appraisal! Thank you. I recommend a pilgramige to Macclesfield, every May the 18th there are tonnes of fans there.

[@VivaSepulchre]

Thank you for this.

[@Andy-mr8te]

Excellent review, this is a superb film. The only thing I would add is there is a decent amount of dry British humour in between the gradual downfall which frequently lifts the mood.

[@richyricardo13]

Never heard of this movie til earlier this week. I'm a big fan of Joy Division. Gotta watch it now

[@jespacey]

deh beh! great! my favorite scene

[@Nominay]

The worst biopic of all time that is 100% in keeping with your brilliantly shrewd to the bone commentary is The Doors by Oliver Stone.

[@felixsamaritan7114]

Was looking for this comment. It's good cinema, not good biopic.

[@zimriel]

I trust Stone to write a biopic about the Doors like I trust Stone to write a historical drama about the European Bronze Age. At least "Conan" was entertaining.

[@lui6link]

Nice vid Just found this band thanks

[@ingibjornbjornsson4958]

And that video about Ians mental health is great to keep it up 😊👍. Do you know any music from Iceland?

[@Emiloid]

Thank you! I confess I'm quite ignorant about music form Iceland, apart from perhaps Of Monsters and Men 😅

[@ingibjornbjornsson4958]

@@Emiloid. Oh ok then 👍😁. Even thou we are small country we still have an amazing music scene here 😊. There is a very nice dockumentary from Iceland called Screaming Masterpiece wich is just about the music in Iceland and it is all in english. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5_comeGfdGMrMU

[@bBbKce]

I would recommend Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

[@sophieesther]

Thank you ❤️

[@markellis5154]

A thing of great beauty