Movies of the Mind - Control - Suicide Befell on the Star - 10/12/25
Dec, 10 2025
Almost 20 years ago a biographical film was released which told the story of the life of Ian Curtis, the troubled singer of the late – 1970s English post punk band joy Division.
The title of the film came from the Joy Division song ‘She’s Lost Control’ and alludes to the fact that much of the plot deals with the notion that Curtis tried to remain in control of his own life, and yet had no control over his epilepsy and pharmaceutical side effects.
‘Control’ was the first feature film directed by Anton Corbijn, who had worked with Joy Division as a photographer. It focuses on the timeline from his marriage, to the formation and career of Joy Division, his battle with epilepsy, his extramarital affair and culminates with his suicide in May 1980.
The following trailer gives us a glimpse into this ground-breaking film-
Ian Curtis was a troubled soul whose epilepsy was the beginning of his downfall. However, he was not alone. Many people suffer from this neurological disorder characterized by a tendency for recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Often epileptic sufferers experience physical injuries as a result of their prolonged convulsions. Medication can help yet premature death can happen because of the condition.
For more information simply visit the following website link –
Epilepsy was just one of a series of problems Ian suffered with that made his life immeasurably hard. His infidelity and pressure to perform at gigs was the eventual downfall of his suicide. But why have male suicides risen? This 14 minute 5 second film from the daytime television show ‘This Morning’ will help us answer that question –
Preventative methods to stop a person’s life from spiralling out of control can be implemented. There are friends, loved ones and family that can care for us in our time of need. If we’re looking for an unbiased source the best contact is the Samaritans. They offer 24 hour care to help someone at their time of need. A simple confidential phone call can stop the hurt hurting you and your family.
The official website is available to access below –
At the time of its release ‘Control’ was met with positive reviews, portraying the accuracy of what took place and the sensational performance level from the leading roles. The soundtrack was memorable too, featuring both Joy Division and New Order.
The final scene of the film is shot in the exact position where Ian Curtis's memorial stone is located in Macclesfield with the camera panning out to reveal the crematorium which can be seen directly from his memorial.
The 2007 film was a biographical insight into a fallen star. It wasn’t designed to reveal new truths from his past but was a fitting tribute both to him, the band and his family. As we go through life we may meet people who suffer with epilepsy or other debilitating conditions. The best thing we can do is be a shoulder of support to them, reach out to them as a real friend, know that they are cared and thought highly of. If we can connect with them on this emotional level it may prevent suicide not just from men but women as well. If we do this then ‘Love will never tear us apart’.
^Alex Ashworth CCG Content Creator
