Paul Arlington Movies
Prolific music-video helmer and award-winning photographer Anton Corbijn makes his feature directorial debut with this biographical drama concerning the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. Based on the book Touching from a Distance: Ian Curtis & Joy Division by the enigmatic singer's wife Deborah Curtis, Control documents the life of a legend who changed the face of modern music but never lived to witness the remarkable impact of his life's work. The time was the late 1970s, and the post-punk explosion was just gaining momentum in England. At the forefront of this movement was a band named Joy Division. Formed in 1976 and first calling themselves Warsaw, Joy Division favored mood and expression over the aggressive stance that had come to define punk rock. The band was championed by Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, and collaborated with producer Martin Hannett on the album that would become their undisputed masterpiece -- 1979's Unknown Pleasures. But despite the band's rising popularity, lead singer Curtis was not in good mental or physical health due a debilitating battle with epilepsy and an extramarital affair, and hanged himself in his Macclesfield home on the eve of the band's first U.S. tour. Newcomer Sam Riley stars opposite Samantha Morton in the film that sets out to tell the definitive story of a true rock & roll legend. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Samantha Morton, Sam Riley, (more)
- 1991
- R
Patsy Kensit stars in Don Boyd's distaff version of Alfie, with Kensit playing 21-year-old Katie, an attractive and self-absorbed Londoner who has just reached this milestone of an age and is trying to make some sense out of it. Until now, Katie has enjoyed life and all its pleasures without thinking too much about it. But, as she speaks to the camera, she reflects upon the men in her life and wonders if she has made all the right romantic decisions. There is Bobby (Rufus Sewell), her charming Scottish boyfriend, who has a propensity for slipping off to the bathroom for a heroin fix. And then there is Jack (Patrick Ryecart), another lover, whose sad-eyed demeanor belies his lack of sexual excitement. So what should Katie do about her beaux, particularly when she is preparing to move to New York? ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patsy Kensit, Jack Shepherd, (more)
- 1980
In this drama with a pseudodocumentary look, the life and unfortunate times of a London prostitute are held up against the life of a female social worker, and the laws of the land. Sandra (Eleanor Forsythe) gets involved in the business of sex for sale while living in Birmingham. Naive all the way through, she feels that a turn in London might set her up with some rich Arab clients and allow her an easier life of leisure. Meanwhile, her friend Louise (Kate Crutchley) is a welfare worker with a new mission. Based on Sandra's own experiences, she is determined to reform the country's antiquated prostitution laws. As both women try to attain their goals, a cold dose of reality is dashed on their hopes, and the built-in biases against women in society are skillfully unmasked. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eleanor Forsythe, Kate Crutchley, (more)
