The new feature length documentary Joy Division about the legendary British post-punk group of the same name, is a chronological account of the band’s brief but incredible history. Penned by friend and fan Jon Savage and directed by Grant Gee, the documentary is an insightful, intelligent look at Ian Curtis and his band’s incredible legacy.
The recent successful biopic Control focused heavily on Curtis’s personal life and suicide at just 22. Joy Division explores in greater depth their music, lyrics and the huge affect they had on the world. The film looks closely at the affect Curtis’s death had on the band. Grant Gee gained unprecedented access to the band for the film. Their interviews are raw and revealing, exposing deep regrets for being unable to foresee the tragedy coming. Their recollections are moving and effective.
Hailing from Manchester, Gee wonderfully exposes the major influence the cold city had not just on Joy Division, but the music scene in Britain as a whole, wonderfully giving the film a sense of gravitas. There is never before seen footage of the band performing live as well as personal photos, graphics and interviews from other musicians and friends.
It's interesting to note that Curtis’s widow Debbie is not interviewed. Quotes from her autobiography regularly appear on a black screen, nicely giving her a presence. Surviving girlfriend Annik Honoré, does take part. She is bright, articulate and with a sense of sadness about her some 30 years after his death. Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris, the surviving band members went on to find phenomenal success with their band New Order. This film serves to make you wonder what might have happened if Curtis had survived.
This well constructed documentary gave me a far greater insight into the importance this young band was musically than anything I’ve previously seen. As an indelible homage to an important band and an explosive musical era, this rates 4 stars.
