Critics applaud Joy Division film

[Genesis]

Critics applaud Joy Division film

By Stephen Robb
Entertainment reporter, BBC News, in Cannes
BBC World.com

British actor Sam Riley makes his film debut playing Ian Curtis
A British film about the life and death of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, starring a first-time actor, has earned a rapturous reception in Cannes.

Unknown Sam Riley said he was "working in a warehouse in Leeds folding shirts" when he was cast to star in Control.

Debut film director Anton Corbijn said the newcomer had brought "an innocence and freshness that I was hoping for but never thought I would find".

The movie opened the 60th Cannes Film Festival's Director's Fortnight.

"This is a very hard role for anybody to play, because it is very hard to fit in somebody's shoes who has become an icon in many people's eyes," said the Dutch director.

Ian Curtis
Ian Curtis left a wife and young daughter when he died in 1980
"I can't think of the movie without Sam, to be very honest - I think he gave everything to that role.

"It was his first film, it was my first film - in a way we had nothing to lose."

Control, which also stars Samantha Morton as Curtis's wife, follows the singer's rise with Joy Division until his suicide in 1980, aged 23.

The singer battles epilepsy and is torn between his love for his wife and a Belgian girlfriend he meets while on tour.

Riley said his research involved studying the effects of epilepsy, as well as viewing surviving footage of Curtis's performances.

Anton Corbijn
Director Anton Corbijn made his name as a photographer
"I spent a lot of time in the mirror doing dance moves," he said.

"I tried to play him as fairly normal bloke, with an exceptional talent.

"He was an incredibly enigmatic performer - unusual, and uncomfortable in a way. And a fantastic lyricist for his age, for any age."

The surviving members of Joy Division, who became New Order, have seen the finished film, Corbijn said.

"They hardly ever agree on anything together, but they have agreed that they all love the film."


This should be a good watch.

[Genesis]

Control tops indie film shortlist

BBC World

Control, the biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, leads the nominations for this year's British Independent Film Awards.

It has 10 nominations including best actor for Sam Riley, best director for Anton Corbijn and best film.

It competes in that category against And When Did You Last See Your Father? which has a total of seven nominations.

Other nominees include Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench for Notes on a Scandal. Winners will be named on 28 November.

It is the tenth BIFA ceremony, which this year honours UK films released since December 2006.

The drama And When Did You Last See Your Father? also received nominations for its stars, with Jim Broadbent in the best actor shortlist and Colin Firth nominated for best supporting actor.

Hallam Foe also received multiple nominations, shortlisted for six awards including Jamie Bell as best actor.

Eastern Promises, Garbage Warrior and Black Gold were among the other films to receive multiple nominations.

Nil by Mouth star Ray Winstone will receive the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor.

Meanwhile Casino Royale star Daniel Craig will be given BIFA's Variety Award for bringing international attention to the British film industry.

Founder Elliot Grove said: "It is my hope that British film-makers, whose work these awards were set up to honour, continue to entertain, astound, delight and inspire and take their rightful place at the forefront of international independent cinema."

Last year's best film award went to This is England by director Shane Meadows.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Roundhouse in London, hosted by actor James Nesbitt.

MOST BIFA 2007 NOMINATIONS
And When Did You Last See Your Father? stars Jim Broadbent and Colin Firth
Control - 10
And When Did You Last See Your Father? - 7
Hallam Foe - 6
Eastern Promises - 5
Notes on a Scandal - 4
Garbage Warrior - 3