THE BEST MOVIES YOU HAVENT SEEN, VOL. 1

This is a new feature on the blog that, if receives enough attention and positive feedback, will become a recurring article.  This feature is meant to discuss movies that have come out, old and new, that were overlooked by many but deserve to be viewed.  So tell me what you think, if you agree or not, and hopefully this feature will motivate you to watch the movies discussed.  Read on.

CONTROL

Released 2007

Directed by Anton Corbijn

One of my favorite films of all time is THE DOORS.  Musicians and music were vastly different than it is today.  And it's always interesting to me to see how the bands before our generation pushed the envelope and created original music and all new genres; and the stories of the  musicians who spiraled into self-depravation, depression, and slowly lost control.  This is one of those stories. This is the story of Joy Division and its musicians.  This is an astonishing film.  If you are a fan of the band Joy Division, you'll enjoy this movie.  If you're not a fan of Joy Division, you will be.  CONTROL is the story of Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division.  Curtis' life of a schoolboy in England grows into a young married man playing gigs with his newly formed band all too quickly for himself to catch up.  With a surprise illness, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and new temptations from being on the road, Curtis' life slips out of his own hands while he struggles to regain a hold on it.

The acting is some of the best of the year.  Its a marvelous wonder that Sam Riley, who plays Ian Curtis, was not nominated for an academy award for his portrayal.  His acting range is exhausted in this role as Ian Curtis, showing the many highs and lows and voids of his life.  It has been said about THE GODFATHER that the acting was so good, you don't for a minute believe that what you're seeing isn't true.  The same can be said for CONTROL.  With movies based on factual events or people there are always exaggerations, changes, and even made up events that are meant to add entertainment value, and make the film more interesting.  But sometimes in doing so, the film becomes less believable, and more incredible.  But with CONTROL there is never any distrust that whats going on in the film is untrue.  And that is a powerful thing to have.  In addition to all this, the film has a severely haunting ending, that is sure to stay with you long after its over.  I had the chance to see this movie in the theater, and I purchased the DVD the same day it was released.  There are some movies that dont have the same power it does after its first viewing, but with its great acting, fantastic music, and impressive photography, CONTROL keeps its strength on multiple viewings. Rent it, and if it's for you; buy it.