"Control"

[daddytodd]

Because I was on the receiving end of some office drama a few weeks back, my boss gave me a pretend-award that included a $25 Amazon gift certificate. It doesn't make up for the drama, but the gesture is greatly appreciated nonetheless.

I used it to pay for (most) of a couple music-related DVDs -- "Kraftwerk and the Electronic Revolution" (more on this one later) and "Control," the Ian Curtis biopic by Anton Corbijn.

I recognize this is heresy, but, apart from "Power Corruption and Lies" I've never been impressed by the music of Joy Division/New Order. I know, take away my faggot card...

Anyway, I have to say I was pretty unimpressed by "Control." It's beautifully shot in moody B&W (and some of the composition made me think of U2 album covers from the '80's. Wonder why...?)

But I'm afraid Curtis comes across as an extremely unlikeable personality. And the music (which was performed by the actors portraying Joy Div) was not really very impressive.

Sorry, I just don't get it. I hate to say it, but I fear that if Curtis had lived, Joy Division would be as well-regarded as A Flock of Seagulls.

Comments

[fogbear.livejournal.com]

"I fear that if Curtis had lived, Joy Division would be as well-regarded as A Flock of Seagulls"

Doubtful. JD was something quite different from everything else that I can remember from the late 70s.

Which doesn't mean that you have to like them. So hang on to that queer card, mister....

[blachubear.livejournal.com]

There's also a new concert DVD from The Who call "The Who At Kilburn:1977". Rumor has it that this is the whole concert that was partly used in "The Kids Are Alright" movie.

[fingertrouble.livejournal.com]

"I hate to say it, but I fear that if Curtis had lived, Joy Division would be as well-regarded as A Flock of Seagulls."

In a word, no.

They might have become as wanky and annoying as Wire, gone that whole artpunk route, imploded (most likely) or become the new U2 or something...but it's not about Ian as a person, the music still stands and probably would still stand up even if he'd lived; and is still totally different than anybody despite many people trying to copy them (Interpol, Editors I'm looking at you here).

Also being on one of the few labels that wouldn't pressure them into being 'big' or 'popular' like Flock of Seagulls and market them as same, I doubt they'd become as embarassing.

I also don't think JD is a particularly gay thing, I think New Order is, but I think JD is too scary-real-dark for most if not all gay men. I've only know a few people into them.

Also don't judge Ian from that movie - from what I know of him he's not like the character in Control, and it annoyed me it gave a glossy sheen to the whole thing - generalising but I get the feeling JD fans feel sad about Ian but do NOT want it celebrated in any way...more angry at what he did than supportive, if understanding. Unlike say the cults around Richey and Kurt there isn't that same 'he did it for the art/he meant it' B.S. - I think people are annoyed that they were about to make it big and feel it's a shame, rather than inevitable, I do anyway.

[bearinslc.livejournal.com]

should have told me you wanted to see that, could have brought an electronic verson of it with me when I visit, would have save the gift card

[daddytodd.livejournal.com]

The PWACU is opening a thrift store in Salt Lake; I can donate my copy to them!