By Paul Towler

2007 has certainly been the year of the rock biopic, what with the Joe Strummer film 'The Furture Is Unwritten' aswell as Scott Walker's portrayal in '30th Century Man'. But that's not all. If, like me, you're a big fan of late 70's legends Joy Division, then I dare say you'll have been eagerly awaiting the release of the film 'Control' which opened at cinemas in October.

Whilst most rock biopics will predictably focus the outrageous, the hedonistic and the legendary, 'Control' does the very opposite. It shows Curtis exactly as he was - an ordinary working class bloke. Shot entirely in black and white, Corbjin's stunning use of photography provides a visually intense enrichment of the grim, bleak optimism of Macclesfield in the mid 70's. 

Based on the book 'Touching From a Distance' written by Curtis' widow Deborah, the film also reminds us that Deborah was herself as much a victim of Ian's illness and infallibility as he was. Actor Sam Riley gives a compelling performance as Ian Curtis whilst the actors playing other band members are a real band rather than just actors miming to a soundtrack.

Personally speaking, I remember Joy Division as sounding very futuristic for their time, something that nowadays is easy to forget. In contrast to the limited scope that 70's punk had to offer, Joy Division's ground breaking use of electronic drums and keyboards paved the way for post-punk intellectualism. My only criticism of the film is that it didn't show enough of studio producer Martin Hannett whose dark, eerie soundscapes played a vital role in creating Joy Division's rich atmospheric sound. 

Both emotional and compelling, 'Control' has received sensational reviews. Being screened at selected cinemas across Bristol, it's a must see for music lovers everywhere.