Joy Division

Joy Division, a film directed by Anton Corbijn, paints a detailed picture of the late 1970s English rock band that significantly shaped the musical landscape. The movie unfolds chronologically, providing an intimate portrayal of Joy Division's trajectory from its inception to the tragic conclusion. The story commences with the formation of the band, where Ian Curtis, the enigmatic lead singer and songwriter, and Bernard Sumner, the guitarist, come together. Curtis is portrayed as an introverted and artistic individual, while Sumner is depicted as more outgoing and charismatic. Their contrasting personalities form the foundation of Joy Division's musical identity. Their earliest days are marked by struggles, including finding the right lineup, securing gigs, and battling financial difficulties. The film masterfully captures the band's raw energy, showcasing their early live performances that earned them recognition and attention from local fans. The music takes center stage, providing an authentic taste of Joy Division's unique sound. As the band gains popularity, they are signed to the iconic Factory Records label, led by the enigmatic Tony Wilson. Under Wilson's guidance, Joy Division embarks on a European tour, which proves to be a defining moment in their career. On screen, the band's musical chemistry is palpable, and their performances demonstrate an undeniable chemistry. One of the primary plot threads involves Ian Curtis's marriage to Deborah, played by Joy Division's real-life wife, Deborah Curtis. This portrayal provides a more nuanced understanding of Curtis's life outside of the music world, revealing a complex individual torn between his artistic ambitions and family responsibilities. The love story also raises questions about the pressures Curtis faced as he navigated multiple relationships, including his affair with the band's Belgian fan, Annik Honoré. Joy Division's music gains attention from the wider public, and the film effectively conveys the band's increasing fame. They find themselves on the same bill as The Sex Pistols, and later, they get invited to appear at the iconic Manchester Free Trade Hall in September 1979. The event, as depicted on screen, would later become the inspiration for Ian Curtis's poem-turned-song "Love Will Tear Us Apart." However, despite their professional success, internal conflicts begin to arise within the band. The film skillfully portrays the tensions between Curtis, who suffers from epilepsy and is increasingly dependent on medication, and the remaining members, whose frustration grows due to their lead singer's unreliable performances on stage. Sumner, particularly, bears the weight of these anxieties, leading to tension in his interactions with Curtis. Joy Division embarked on their final tour in April 1980, amidst rising tensions within the band. The film vividly documents the band's struggles to reconcile their creative differences and perform at their best. Unfortunately, their fate was sealed, and on the 18th of May 1980, Ian Curtis takes his own life by hanging himself. The aftermath of Curtis's tragic death is poignantly portrayed in the film. The surviving band members reevaluate their relationships and their music, with Sumner reflecting on the void that Curtis's passing created. Although they do not officially disband, the remaining members cannot escape the feeling that a vital part of themselves has been lost. The film concludes with an interview with Bernard Sumner, which captures the enduring legacy of Joy Division and their profound influence on the music world. Through the meticulously crafted account of their story, Joy Division masterfully honors Ian Curtis's legacy, providing a poignant and authentic portrayal of the influential rock band. By exploring the lives of those involved and capturing their struggles with artistic expression, the film effectively conveys the human and musical complexity of this remarkable band.