Joy Division (2007)

Director:

Grant Gee

Release Date:

2 May 2008 (UK)

Genre:

Documentary | Music

Plot:

A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band. |

Plot Keywords:

Interview | Singer | Suicide | Manchester England | Band

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Richard Boon	...	Himself
Anton Corbijn	...	Himself
Kevin Cummins	...	Himself
Ian Curtis	...	Himself (archive footage)
Bob Dickinson	...	Himself
Lesley Gilbert	...	Herself
Iain Gray	...	Himself
Rob Gretton	...	Himself (archive footage)
Martin Hannett	...	Himself (archive footage)
Alan Hempsall	...	Himself - Crisp Ambulance singer
Annik Honore	...	Herself
Peter Hook	...	Himself
Richard H. Kirk	...	Himself
Terry Mason	...	Himself - Joy Division roadie
Paul Morley	...	Himself
Stephen Morris	...	Himself
Liz Naylor	...	Herself
John Peel	...	Himself (archive footage)
Genesis P-Orridge	...	Himself (as Genesis P. Orridge)
Lindsay Reade	...	Herself
Peter Saville	...	Himself
Richard Searling	...	Himself
Pete Shelley	...	Himself
Bernard Sumner	...	Himself
Malcolm Whitehead	...	Himself
Tony Wilson	...	Himself
Jon Wozencroft	...	Himself

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

Canada:93 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:R | Ireland:15A | Finland:K-3 | Canada:14A

Company:

Hudson Productions

Solid Documentary

The only shortcoming perhaps of this documentary, is that it didn't range too far beyond the context of the group and into the rest of the music scene at the time. However that is a valid choice for the film-maker. There was a lot of ground to cover, and fans will appreciate the depth and attention paid to the music and live footage.

The film zeros in on the dynamic formation and growth of this seminal band, and particularly the increasing struggles of fated lead-singer, Ian Curtis. This was handled with surprising candor and integrity, no small accomplishment.

Those with only a basic knowledge of the role Joy Division played in the renewal of both the post-punk music scene and Manchester will find this an informative documentary. In addition to retrospectives by all remaining band members, a well-balanced range of contributers comment on everything from the scene, to music production and cover art design, to the cultural influences behind the band's unique style.