This film is about Ian Curtis (1956 – 1980) and the short career of Joy Division. It was based on the book Touching from a Distance by Deborah Curtis, his young widow, published in 1995. She was one of the producers on the film, which was directed by Anton Corbijn. The film is shown in black and white, which suits the era and atmosphere. I only read the book after watching the film. Unlike many reviews, I’m not discussing the accuracy of the events portrayed in Control; I’m no expert on Joy Division and I’m sticking to my ‘film of the book’ perspective.

The writing style in Deborah’s book is quite straightforward and not very poetic, but the value is in her portrayal of Ian’s character and their relationship, while trying to find some explanation of his actions. Details about the band, for example, are to be found from other sources, but for the domestic side of things, and details which only Deborah could know, this is why the book is important and has a large influence on the film. Some details are necessarily cut and conflated, such as a variety of locations where they lived and worked. They had a dog, Candy, which is not in the film. The book includes Ian’s early years, before Ian and Deborah met.

In the book, Deborah describes how controlling Ian was, from early in their relationship. A photograph of their wedding day shows Deborah in a very high-necked dress, because she wasn’t allowed to wear anything that might cause other men to look at her. Ian’s treatment of her was toned down for the film, as were his violent outbursts and his idolisation of his musical heroes who died young. On this last subject, the film seems to suggest that his severe epilepsy was the main factor (as well as being caught between his relationships with Deborah, and Annik) for deciding to take his life, as it shows him having a severe fit on his last night. There is also some difference about what happened in the morning when Deborah came back to the house. In the book, she had to look carefully at Ian to check if he was alive, and when she went out she couldn’t even speak, as she tried to get the neighbours to help. The film has her going into the house, screaming and coming straight out.

Annik, a Belgian journalist and music promoter whom Deborah claims had an affair with Ian, is given a more sympathetic portrayal in the film. For example, in the book she couldn’t deal with his illness but in film she is shown being caring after he has a fit.

Most impressive in the film is Sam Riley, in the role of Ian, mirroring his energetic performances, of which a small number were filmed. Samantha Morton is very good in the role of Deborah and we can feel her conflicted emotions, especially when they have a child, Natalie, and Deborah needs to do what is best for them both. It’s quite a bleak and intense film which I think complements the book.

Image: IMPAwards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13449089