While many of my predictions have gone astray for what was going to be showcased at this year’s Cannes – one selection and section that I was bang on was the Ian Curtis biopic CONTROL – it was announced as opening film for the Cannes sidebar Directors Fortnight. And speaking of bang - Bono, members of New Order and Depeche Mode (all artists who’ve worked with Anton Corbijn (the film’s director) over the years will most likely open the May 17 gala screening with a concert gig. Variety mentions that they might perform at the opening-night party alongside Sam Riley, the actor who plays Curtis and sings some of the songs in the film with his own rock band.
Filmed in black and white, this is based on (the widow of Ian Curtis) Deborah Curtis' Touching From a Distance, this is a biopic of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis. Matt Greenhalgh adapted the screenplay, which covers the last years in Curtis' life, leading up to his suicide on the eve of what was to have been Joy Division’s first US tour in 1980. Plot centers on Curtis' struggle between feeling enduring love for his wife and child and his beginning a burgeoning relationship with another woman a rock journalist, as well as his bouts with epilepsy and all-consuming performances with his band.
In addition to today’s announcement, we’ve also got a great exclusive pic of the film - (thanks Zoe!). Here is Sam Riley as Curtis:
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