Rated: 14A
Starring: a bunch of vaguely recognizable Brits
Plot: Based on a true story – a brief glimpse into the life of troubled singer/songwriter Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division.
Tanya’s Verdict: There’s a lot I liked about this seemingly simple movie. It doesn’t get bogged down in detail or extraneous characters and its depiction of a troubled young man who is fruitlessly chasing happiness (through a doomed marriage, then parenthood, then career, then fame) is truly heartbreaking. The black and white adds to the starkness of both character and storyline. And despite getting an up close and personal view of Curtis’ tumultuous life journey, there is still a sense of distance and aloofness – which is a perfect match for the way his character reacts to the people and world around him. You don’t necessarily have to be a fan of Joy Division to appreciate this biopic which so clearly appears to be headed toward tragedy.