Control

In the world of music biopics, few films have left as lasting of an impact as Anton Corbijn's "Control." Released in 2007, the movie tells the story of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the influential post-punk band Joy Division, and his struggles with fame, depression, and ultimately suicide. With a captivating performance by Sam Riley as Curtis and a stunning visual style, "Control" has become a beloved cult classic in the years since its release.

But what is it about "Control" that has made it such a memorable film? Is it the raw emotion of Riley's performance or the striking black-and-white cinematography? Or is it the way the film captures the essence of Joy Division's music and the Manchester music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s?

In this blog post, we will explore the many facets of "Control" and examine why it continues to resonate with audiences over a decade after its release. We will delve into the themes of the film, including the pressures of fame, the complexities of mental illness, and the power of music to connect people. We will also take a closer look at the film's visual style and how it contributes to the overall mood and tone of the story.

One of the most fascinating aspects of "Control" is the way it portrays Ian Curtis as a complex and flawed human being, rather than a one-dimensional rock star. The film doesn't shy away from showing the darker aspects of his personality, such as his infidelity and his struggles with epilepsy and depression. At the same time, it also highlights his creativity, his love for his wife and child, and his passion for music.

Another key element of "Control" is the way it captures the look and feel of the Manchester music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. From the dingy clubs where Joy Division played their early gigs to the stark, industrial landscapes of the city, the film immerses the viewer in the world that gave rise to the band's unique sound and sensibility.

Ultimately, "Control" is a film that explores the universal themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Through the story of Ian Curtis and Joy Division, it reminds us of the power of art to inspire, to connect, and to heal. So join us as we take a closer look at this unforgettable film and the legacy it has left behind.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

As a lover of movies, I must say that "Inception" is a masterpiece of a movie. Directed by the renowned Christopher Nolan, this movie is a perfect combination of action, suspense, and drama.

Plot Summary

The movie revolves around a skilled thief, Dom Cobb, who is an expert in the art of extraction - stealing valuable information from the subconscious mind while the target is dreaming. He is offered an opportunity to clear his criminal record by performing the impossible task of inception - planting an idea in someone's mind. To accomplish this task, he assembles a team of specialists, and they embark on a dangerous mission that takes them through multiple levels of dreams.

Impressions

The concept of entering someone's dreams to steal or plant ideas is fascinating, and the way Nolan presents it on screen is mind-boggling. The visuals are stunning, and the action sequences are breathtaking. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout, and the twists and turns in the plot will leave you guessing until the very end.

Strong Points

The casting of this movie is impeccable. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an outstanding performance as the lead character, Dom Cobb. The supporting cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, and Ken Watanabe, also does a remarkable job of bringing their characters to life. The cinematography and special effects are top-notch, and the score by Hans Zimmer perfectly complements the visuals on screen.

Weak Points

One of the few criticisms of the movie is that it can be confusing at times. The multiple levels of dreams and the different characters can be hard to keep track of, and the plot can be convoluted for some viewers.

Conclusion

Overall, "Inception" is a movie that is worth watching multiple times. The complexity of the plot and the attention to detail in the visuals make it a cinematic masterpiece. The cast, direction, and score all come together to create a movie that is truly unique and unforgettable. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves action, suspense, or just a good mind-bending story.

"Memento" - A Mind-Bending Thriller

If you're looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its non-linear storytelling, then "Memento" is the perfect choice for you. This 2000 release year movie, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a masterpiece of cinematography and storytelling that will leave you with a lot to think about.

Plot Summary

The movie revolves around Leonard Shelby, a man with anterograde amnesia who is unable to create new memories. Leonard is on a mission to find and kill the man who raped and murdered his wife. He uses Polaroid pictures, tattoos, and notes to help him remember important information. However, as he delves deeper into his investigation, he realizes that his reality may not be what it seems.

Impressions and Strong Points

One of the strongest points of "Memento" is its unique storytelling structure. The movie is presented in reverse order, with the end scenes shown first and the beginning scenes shown last. This structure allows the audience to experience the same confusion and disorientation that Leonard feels throughout the movie.

Another strong point of the movie is its excellent cast. Guy Pearce delivers an outstanding performance as Leonard Shelby, and he is supported by a talented cast including Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Mark Boone Junior.

Weak Points

While "Memento" is a near-perfect movie, there are a few weak points that can be pointed out. The non-linear structure of the movie can be confusing at times, and it may take a while for the audience to fully understand what is happening. Additionally, the movie's ending has been criticized by some viewers for being ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Personal Opinion

As a movie expert, I can confidently say that "Memento" is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller. The movie's unique structure, excellent cast, and thought-provoking storyline make it a standout film in the genre. While the non-linear structure may be confusing at times, it adds to the overall experience of the movie. I highly recommend "Memento" to anyone who enjoys movies that challenge their perceptions and keep them guessing until the very end.

I recently watched "The Prestige" and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. Directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2006, this movie is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. The plot is complex and intriguing, the cinematography is stunning, and the performances are outstanding.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the lives of two magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, who are in a constant battle to outdo each other. The rivalry starts when Angier's wife dies during a magic trick gone wrong, and he blames Borden for it. The two men become obsessed with one-upping each other, and their obsession slowly leads them down a dark path.

Strong Points

One of the strongest points of this movie is the way it's structured. The plot is told through a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards, which adds to the overall mystery and intrigue. The cinematography is also exceptional, with Nolan using a variety of camera techniques to create a sense of tension and unease.

The performances in this movie are also outstanding. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play off each other perfectly, and their chemistry on-screen is palpable. Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson also give great performances in supporting roles.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of this movie is that it can be confusing at times. The plot is complex and requires your full attention to understand what's going on. If you're not paying close attention, you may miss some important details.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I loved "The Prestige". It's a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you think. The performances are exceptional, the cinematography is stunning, and the plot is complex and intriguing. It's definitely a movie that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

Cast

The cast of "The Prestige" is outstanding. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are both fantastic in their roles as Robert Angier and Alfred Borden. Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson also give great performances in supporting roles. David Bowie even makes an appearance as Nikola Tesla.

What Makes it Special

What makes "The Prestige" special is the way it's structured. The plot is complex and told through a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards, which adds to the overall mystery and intrigue. The cinematography is also exceptional, with Nolan using a variety of camera techniques to create a sense of tension and unease.

In Conclusion

"The Prestige" is a must-watch movie for anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller. The plot is complex and intriguing, the performances are outstanding, and the cinematography is stunning. It's a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

"The Machinist" movie, released in 2004, is a psychological thriller directed by Brad Anderson, starring Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón. The movie follows the story of Trevor Reznik (Bale), a machinist who hasn't slept in a year and is slowly losing his grip on reality.

Plot

The movie opens with Trevor Reznik, a machinist, struggling to stay awake at his job. He is haunted by a mysterious co-worker and plagued by insomnia, paranoia, and hallucinations. Trevor's life becomes more complicated when a co-worker named Ivan disappears, and Trevor is blamed for his disappearance.

Trevor's mental state deteriorates as he becomes more and more obsessed with finding Ivan and solving the mystery of his disappearance. Throughout the movie, Trevor is haunted by a mysterious figure who seems to be following him everywhere he goes, and he struggles to distinguish between reality and hallucination.

Review

"The Machinist" is an intense and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Christian Bale delivers an outstanding performance as Trevor Reznik, and his transformation for the role is truly remarkable. Bale lost a shocking amount of weight to play the emaciated Trevor, and his physical appearance perfectly captures the character's mental state.

The cinematography is another strong point of the movie, as the dark and gritty visuals perfectly capture the mood of the story. The use of shadows and light creates a sense of unease and tension that adds to the film's atmosphere.

One of the movie's weaknesses is its slow pace, which may not appeal to some viewers. The movie takes its time to develop the characters and build the suspense, which may make it feel sluggish at times. However, the payoff is worth it, as the movie's shocking twist ending is sure to leave you reeling.

Overall, "The Machinist" is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers. Its stunning visuals, outstanding performances, and intense storyline make it a standout movie in the genre.

Fight Club: A Masterpiece of Cinematography and Direction

In 1999, David Fincher brought to life the iconic movie "Fight Club," based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The movie's plot revolves around the life of an insomniac office worker, played by Edward Norton, who forms a "fight club" with a charismatic soap salesman, played by Brad Pitt. The movie takes a dark turn, as the fight club evolves into a cult-like group dedicated to overthrowing the capitalist system.

Cinematography: A Stunning Visual Experience

David Fincher's direction and Jeff Cronenweth's cinematography made the movie a visual masterpiece. The movie's dark and gritty atmosphere, coupled with impressive camera work, made it a visual treat. The use of handheld cameras, slow-motion shots, and unique angles, brought the fight scenes to life, making them an immersive experience for the audience.

Direction: Fincher's Masterstroke

David Fincher's direction was the lynchpin of the movie's success. Fincher's vision for the movie was perfectly executed, with impeccable attention to detail. The pacing of the movie was spot-on, with the plot unfolding at a steady pace, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Fincher's direction brought out some of the best performances of the lead actors, making the movie an unforgettable experience.

Cast: Stellar Performances by the Leads

Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter delivered stellar performances in their respective roles. Norton's portrayal of the insomniac office worker was nuanced and layered, making the character relatable to the audience. Brad Pitt's performance as Tyler Durden was charismatic and enigmatic, and his chemistry with Norton was electric. Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of Marla Singer, a love interest of the protagonist, was haunting and captivating.

Impressions: A Thought-Provoking Movie

Fight Club is a thought-provoking movie that explores the themes of masculinity, consumerism, and the human condition. The movie's plot and direction are masterfully executed, making it a cinematic masterpiece. The movie's dark and edgy atmosphere, coupled with powerful performances by the lead actors, made it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Strong points: The direction, cinematography, and performances by the lead actors are the movie's strong points. David Fincher's direction and Jeff Cronenweth's cinematography make the movie a visual treat, while the performances of the lead actors bring the characters to life.

Weak points: The movie's plot can be confusing at times, and some viewers may find the movie's violence and dark themes unsettling.

In conclusion, Fight Club is a cinematic masterpiece that is a must-watch for all fans of the movie. The movie's direction, cinematography, and performances by the lead actors make it a unique and unforgettable experience. David Fincher's vision and attention to detail, coupled with Jeff Cronenweth's cinematography, make Fight Club a stunning visual experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience.