Austin Film Festival 2007

"Control" is shot in gorgeous black and white with many spare, geometric shots and extremely tight close ups that reminded me of scenes in Antonioni's "L'Eclisse." It's based on the true story of British singer, Ian Curtis, someone I'd never heard of who died young. The death was not drug-related. The scenes looked and felt real and true. The dialogue and scenes were spare but revealing. Good work by Samantha Morton, who plays Ian's wife, and Alexandra Maria Lara. Special kudos for Sam Riley as Ian. One of the producers introduced the film and told us the director shot scenes in the Curtis house and on streets where certain actions took place in Northern England. He said all the actors in the band had never played instruments but learned to play and they are actually making the music we hear. The producer avidly pursued first time director Anton Corbijin, known for exceptional music videos and photography.