For his directorial debut, Anton Corbijn (famous photographer/video director for U2 and Depeche Mode, among others) gives an intimate look on Ian Curtis, Joy Division's frontman, who tragically died at age 23. Luckily Corbijn didn't based his movie entirely on Deborah Curtis' book - or else this would have been a very negative portrait - but asked his friends/relatives, including his belgian mistress, who never spoke about their relationship before. A true masterpiece, especially due to Sam Riley's stunning performance, "Control" will also be appreciated by non-Joy Division fans. One of my top 10 movies of 2007.

Such a great movie. R.i.p Ian curtis.

This could have been a mess, easily. In many ways, Ian Curtis' short life is a rock n roll cliche - a massively talented singer and songwriter commits suicide - and the sketchy details of his story has become legend among Joy Division fans and music fans.

But it's not. And it's sad, but not depressing. Brilliantly acted by Sam Riley, directed by photographer/video director Anton Corbijn and shot entirely in black & white, Control has a depth and intimacy that's unexpected. Based on the biography written by Curtis' wife Deborah, it's an unsentimental yet loving look at one man's truly tragic end. No wonder he's a legend.

A film of harrowing intensity, Control is about the life of Ian Curtis, Joy Division's lead singer and tortured soul. An amazing movie best seen on the wide screen, but you should be able to buy it on DVD soon, or even now if you luck out and find a place that'll sell it early, like I did. This is a must-watch for any fan of Joy Division and anyone interested in music history.