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WITH black and white cinematography so beautiful it can make a Macclesfield council estate look majestic, Control is a visual masterpiece. Don't take this as being shorthand for pretentious, though; it's also a compelling and touching biopic which treats its story with both creativity and truth.

Based on the book Touching From a Distance, written by Curtis' wife Deborah, the film follows Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis from his late school years in 1973 to his suicide, at the height of the band's success, in 1980.

Control reveals Curtis as a talented but normal soul, who finds conflicts between his conscience and his heart - as well as a unshakeable fear of his newly-diagnosed epilepsy - just too tough to live with.

It's hard to believe Anton Corbijn is a first-time director. His photography background explains the artistic compositions and perfectly framed shots, but the intelligent handling of the story make this a debut to go down in history.

Samantha Morton (as Deborah Curtis) has been reaping a lot of BAFTA-related praise, but uncanny Curtis resemblance Sam Riley is the star. You'll struggle to tear your eyes away from his intense and meticulous performance.

Although it is tasteful, the ending, like Curtis' life, feels like it's over too soon. It's clear Corbijn wanted the film's focus to be Curtis' life, not his death, but it's the only aspect of the drama stopping Control getting five stars.

5:50pm Tuesday 12th February 2008

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