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Joy Division (2007)

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22 out of 25 people found the following comment useful :-
Solid Documentary, 16 September 2007

Author: redmecca from Toronto

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.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Rather than go on and on I watch this every day at the moment and have done for a month., 23 June 2008

Author: rettercritical (retter2critical@yahoo.com) from Australia

Rather than go on and on I watch this every day at the moment and have done for about a month. If you like JD you will like the doco. I usually put this on because I have only owned the album "Substance" which is a collection of JD not an actual album. I put the doco on, usually after and listen to it like music with all the stories and performances. I love it. Their music was so modern it stands up to the test of time. The doco itself is a well put together, linear story told by surviving band members, all those people you remember from "24 Hour Part People" and more. get it and watch it more than once because there is a lot in there. Top marks.

http://mikeretter.tripod.com

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4 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
An Ode to Joy, 13 May 2008

Author: frankenbenz from Sydney, Australia

One of my five favorites films in 2007 was Control, Anton Corbijn's beautifully bleak black and white biopic of Ian Curtis and Joy Division. Aside from the music, what I loved about the film was its kitchen sink realism and incredible attention to detail. Following the trend, last night I watched Grant Gee's documentary Joy Division about -you guessed it- Joy Division. As much as I enjoyed Gee's documentary (which I did), it only made me appreciate Control all the more. Corbijn, who participates in the doc, was amongst a handful of photographers who glimpsed, first hand, the ascension of Joy Division. While watching Gee's film it proved Corbijn spared no effort to make Control as factual and accurate as possible. The two films make great companion pieces, not just because JD fills in a few of Control's narrative gaps, but mostly because it introduces us to the real faces behind the story told in Control.

I feel like I'm slighting Gee by talking more about Control than his documentary, but the truth is, I can't say enough good things about Control...I sincerely believe it is one of the best music biopics I've ever watched. Simply put, there's little wrong with Control, and the casting alone is worthy of great praise -- not only are the actors in Control dead ringers for their real life counterparts, they're great actors.

Considering this is a review of Gee's doc, I suppose I should make an effort to discuss it. In short, JD doesn't break any new ground, nor does it provide Joy Division enthusiasts with any new revelations or insights. The greatest strength of the doc is how Gee emulates the same stylistic aesthetic associated with the band, their music, their album art and the movement they spawned. JD is a great looking documentary, visually compelling from beginning to end and its chock full of vintage, low-fi concert footage pulled out from the vaults. If you're a Joy Division fan you'll enjoy this documentary as much as I did, if not, you might enjoy it but it certainly won't change your life.

http://eattheblinds.blogspot.com/

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