Turning the tragic life story of a Mancunian superhero into a film is a project that needs to be executed with integrity. Thankfully Anton Corbijn delivers a contender for film of the year – and in doing so, keeps the entire population of Manchester happy.

Corbijn, renowned for his photography of rock’s aristocracy and music videos with the likes of U2, makes his silver screen debut based on the book Touching from a Distance written by Curtis’ widow Deborah Curtis.

With Deborah and the late, great Tony Wilson credited with roles in producing the film, Corbijn was in great company when it came to making sure the film was accurate.

This makes it all the more poignant as we are given an insightful look into the rise and fall of Joy Division through the eyes of an increasingly despondent Ian Curtis. Played with immaculate attention to detail, Sam Riley makes his debut lead role as the struggling star that fails to come to terms with his epilepsy and spiralling depression.  

Shot in black and white, the film serves as a brilliant portrayal of Northern England in the 1970s. A world where Bowie reigns supreme, the Sex Pistols are busy forever changing British music and even NME front cover stars such as Curtis still have day jobs.

Tony Kebbell deserves acclaim for his role as the band manager – we haven’t heard anyone make swearing sound as fun for ages. So too do all the actors who successfully play the members and music of Joy Division.  As you can imagine the tunes are phenomenal; Curtis’ songs provide the chilling soundtrack to his own demise.

Corbijn excellently explores the real truth behind the singer’s marital breakdown as infidelity and apathy towards his loyal wife (Samantha Morton) proves too much for the 23-year-old. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never listen to ‘Love will Tear Us Apart’ the same way again. (Tim Hill)

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