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Control is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Anton Corbijn, who is also known for his work within the music industry as a photographer and music video director. The film is based on the life of Ian Curtis, the frontman of the iconic post-punk band Joy Division, whose tragic story has become a legend in music history. The film is set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it portrays the rise and fall of Joy Division as well as the personal struggles of Ian Curtis, who suffers from epilepsy, depression, and a failing marriage. The lead role is played by Sam Riley, who delivers a stunning performance that captures the intensity and vulnerability of Ian Curtis. The supporting cast includes Samantha Morton, who plays Ian's wife Deborah, and Craig Parkinson, who plays the band's manager Rob Gretton.

The film opens with the band's early days, as they perform in dingy clubs and record their first album, Unknown Pleasures. Ian Curtis is portrayed as a troubled and introspective young man who is deeply affected by the music he creates and the lyrics he writes. He meets Deborah, a beautiful and ambitious young woman, and they fall in love and get married. However, their relationship is strained by Ian's frequent seizures and his increasing dependence on medication.

As Joy Division becomes more successful, Ian Curtis becomes more and more restless and disillusioned. He begins to have affairs with other women, including Annik Honoré, a Belgian journalist who is portrayed by Alexandra Maria Lara. His bandmates, Peter Hook and Bernard Sumner, are loyal to him but also frustrated by his erratic behavior and lack of communication. Rob Gretton, the band's manager, tries to keep them together and steer them towards success, but he faces his own personal demons and struggles.

Throughout the film, Anton Corbijn creates a mesmerizing visual style that captures the mood and atmosphere of the era. He uses black and white cinematography to evoke the stark and gritty reality of the band's world, and he employs slow motion and stylized editing to heighten the emotional impact of key scenes. The film is also notable for its use of Joy Division's music, which is woven seamlessly into the narrative and provides a powerful backdrop for the story.

As Ian Curtis's health and mental state deteriorate, the film builds towards its tragic and inevitable conclusion. Without spoiling the film, it's fair to say that the final scenes are heartbreaking and haunting, capturing the raw emotion and artistic brilliance of Ian Curtis's life and legacy.

Overall, Control is a powerful and moving film that captures the essence of Joy Division and Ian Curtis's story. It is a testament to the creative and personal struggles of artists and musicians, and it is a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic and influential figures in music history.

Control is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 78.