I stumbled upon the music of Joy Division in the same way a child would learn to run before they could walk. In other words completely in the wrong order, New Order in fact...sorry, I couldn't resist. New Order, the band that evolved from the ashes of Joy Division, actually exposed me to Joy Division's infectious but often dark and depressing lyrics and sound.
So, when I heard the news that a documentary on the life and times of Ian Curtis, lead singer and lyricist of Joy Division, was soon to be screened, I made a quick mental note to make sure to view it on the big screen, before it disappeared onto the shelves of the local Video Shop. A week after its release, I found myself armed with a bottle of water sitting in a darkened cinema, enduring countless previews of upcoming films awaiting the commencement of the feature presentation.
So, when I heard the news that a documentary on the life and times of Ian Curtis, lead singer and lyricist of Joy Division, was soon to be screened, I made a quick mental note to make sure to view it on the big screen, before it disappeared onto the shelves of the local Video Shop. A week after its release, I found myself armed with a bottle of water sitting in a darkened cinema, enduring countless previews of upcoming films awaiting the commencement of the feature presentation.
And so it began....
The first point of note, is that the film is completely shot in black and white which, in retrospect, was a quite clever move as this is hardly a cheerful or genial movie, so its chosen colour scheme complements its dark and plaintive storyline. The movie starts off by introducing us to Ian's early life and upbringing, highlighting his school years and early musical influences such as Bowie.
It then moves onto his marriage and family life, presenting Ian as the husband and father. Ian's battle with prescription drugs and struggle with epilepsy are also well documented and, not to be forgotten, a large portion of the film is dedicated to the formation and ultimate, albeit short lived, rise of Joy Division. It also introduces us to Tony Wilson, founder of Factory Records who, so legend has us believe, signed Joy Division to his label in his own blood.
The film also details Ian's affair with a journalist and the torment that this brought both himself and his family, his inability to decide what he actually wanted played a large part in his downfall, which brings us to the saddest part of the film, his eventual suicide at the tender age of 23. For those who thought that the death of Kurt Cobain was a loss, the death of Ian Curtis is in the same realm. A life and future that had so much potential, ending so prematurely, a wasted talent that had so much more still to achieve and live for, his family, his band and his music.
The songs of Joy Division are played throughout the film, very haunting and oh so emotionally stirring. Like a long lost memory this film re-emphasised, to me, their quality and allurement. The films ending is very moving to say the least, I had more than a few tears welling up my eyes, which was kind of unexpected as Ian's death has been historically well documented. The song "Atmosphere", complements the end perfectly and after listening to it and its lyrics, it makes you think that Ian scripted his own death. Coincidently, this song was played at the funeral of Tony Wilson who passed away earlier this year.
Its a great film, regardless of whether or not you are a fan of Joy Division, a film that will make you realise that perception of the perfect life is one thing but reality can be totally contrary.
The first point of note, is that the film is completely shot in black and white which, in retrospect, was a quite clever move as this is hardly a cheerful or genial movie, so its chosen colour scheme complements its dark and plaintive storyline. The movie starts off by introducing us to Ian's early life and upbringing, highlighting his school years and early musical influences such as Bowie.
It then moves onto his marriage and family life, presenting Ian as the husband and father. Ian's battle with prescription drugs and struggle with epilepsy are also well documented and, not to be forgotten, a large portion of the film is dedicated to the formation and ultimate, albeit short lived, rise of Joy Division. It also introduces us to Tony Wilson, founder of Factory Records who, so legend has us believe, signed Joy Division to his label in his own blood.
The film also details Ian's affair with a journalist and the torment that this brought both himself and his family, his inability to decide what he actually wanted played a large part in his downfall, which brings us to the saddest part of the film, his eventual suicide at the tender age of 23. For those who thought that the death of Kurt Cobain was a loss, the death of Ian Curtis is in the same realm. A life and future that had so much potential, ending so prematurely, a wasted talent that had so much more still to achieve and live for, his family, his band and his music.
The songs of Joy Division are played throughout the film, very haunting and oh so emotionally stirring. Like a long lost memory this film re-emphasised, to me, their quality and allurement. The films ending is very moving to say the least, I had more than a few tears welling up my eyes, which was kind of unexpected as Ian's death has been historically well documented. The song "Atmosphere", complements the end perfectly and after listening to it and its lyrics, it makes you think that Ian scripted his own death. Coincidently, this song was played at the funeral of Tony Wilson who passed away earlier this year.
Its a great film, regardless of whether or not you are a fan of Joy Division, a film that will make you realise that perception of the perfect life is one thing but reality can be totally contrary.
David
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