Joy Division: The Rise of the Manchester Scene

Very few bands have an effect on several generations like Joy Division has had. Apart from the Velvet Underground and the Clash, no other band has become so important, so crucial, so RELEVANT, like the industrial post-punk quartet from post-modern, post-industrial Manchester. By the time their second album had been released, Joy Division was the most meaningful and significant band in Manchester. And Ian Curtis, the band's lead singer, had already committed suicide. They have become even more important contemporaneously, with "Love Will Tear Us Apart" being hailed by Kurt Cobain as the greatest song ever recorded, and young people revisiting their work. Of course, some of that posthumous success is partly due to the legend that has evolved surrounding the band, and most importantly, the band's lead singer and lyricist. Two parts talent, one part legend, the story of Joy Division's rise and fall has intrigued fans and musicians alike. It makes for a pretty good movie, or shall I say two. Back in 2007, two movies were filmed about Joy Division, one being the drama, Control, and the other being the documentary called Joy Division.

Directed by Grant Gee, director of the Radiohead documentary, Meeting People is Easy, and of several music videos, this particular documentary focuses on the start of Joy Division, its short-lived success, its demise, and the undeniable influence the ruined landscape of Manchester had on the music and the musicians' lives. With interviews of all the band members (excluding Curtis), Tony Wilson (founder of Factory Records), Ian Curtis's mistress, and several people who ran with their crowd, the film takes on an engrossing and subtly powerful tone. As the likes of Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook recount their stories and experiences, the viewer realizes that he/she is stepping into very personal territory, darkly personal. Of course, it's not all doom and gloom, as one might expect from a band like Joy Division. It's interesting to listen to the band members and Tony Wilson relate their humorous moments with Curtis, and about their road to recognition. The documentary has moments of reflection, as well as moments of good humor.

The film is quite a boon, filled with TV clips and fascinating insights, not to mention an amazing soundtrack to boot. My one quip with it is the fact that Deborah Curtis, Curtis's wife, does not make an appearance. Quotes from her 1995 memoir, Touching from a Distance, are seen throughout the film, but it would've been nice to hear them come from her mouth. Upon further research, I learned that she actually opted to stay out of the film, as she had been overseeing on the set of Control at the time and, I imagine, it had emotionally fatigued her. I also think it would've been interesting to have elaborated on Martin Hannett's engineering/production methods while in the studio with the band, as he is partly responsible for Joy Division's sound (one would even say "mostly responsible" concerning their studio recordings). The recording sessions themselves have become the stuff of legend.

If you consider yourself a fan of Joy Division and the post-punk era, or a fan of music in general, this particular documentary is a must-see. Being as how they were an important band which paved the way for the Madchester scene and many contemporary rock/indie acts, and considering their influence and legendary status, you owe it to yourself to watch it. Also recommended are Control and 24 Hour Party People, the latter focusing on Tony Wilson and his Factory Records label.

Star rating: 4/5