Every now and then a film comes along that can turn perspective on its head. In this case it’s the Ian Curtis Biopic Control. Following the demon plagued frontman of the seminal UK outfit Joy Division, Control uses it’s limited means masterfully in a showing that can hit with the big boys seven days a week.

The hard black and white film grade drags the entire film into a smoky depression that so beautifully reflects the main character’s own self-image and contributes to the overwhelming weight of the picture.

Young thespian Sam Riley brings Curtis back for 90 minutes in what will surely be one of the highlights of his career, no matter how long it proves to be. Riley’s Curtis is supported thoroughly by the more experienced Samantha Morton who portrays Curtis’ long suffering wife Deborah.

Not only does Control give some real insight into the man Curtis was, it goes just as far toward exposing the pain and place from which his music was drawn, a place that has perplexed fans ever since Curtis’ death in 1980.

Directed by Anton Corbijn, Control is a wonderful display of balance and subtlety. On a small budget a lesser director could well have stretched his hand too far but Corbijn has crafted something that viewers will not help but get lost in.

An amazing film about an troubled man and his wonderful music.