“Control”

Anton Corbijn’s biopic of Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division, who hanged himself at the age of 23, “Control” stars Sam Riley as the gifted and troubled musician. Shot in black and white, the film avoids the cliches of the genre through its artful composition and lingering, pensive shots. The movie is largely based on a memoir by Curtis’ widow, Deborah, who co-wrote with Matt Greenhalgh. Married in their teens -- before Curtis had joined the band that would make him famous-- the couple went from playing house to dealing with Ian’s rising star. His story deviates from the rock martyr script in true Joy Division style. It wasn’t sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll that tore them apart but guilt, depression and love.