Control (2007) Screening w/ Producer Orian Williams and Special Guests

Summary:

Join us for a special screening of Control (2007), the critically acclaimed biographical drama about Ian Curtis, the enigmatic lead singer of Joy Division. Based on Deborah Curtis’s memoir Touching from a Distance, the film offers an intimate portrait of Curtis’s struggles with epilepsy, depression, and the pressures of sudden fame. With striking black-and-white cinematography and a haunting soundtrack, Control captures both the raw energy of Joy Division and the personal turmoil behind the music.

The screening will include an introduction by producer Orian Williams and special guests, followed by a Q&A session.

This film is rated R.

About the Director:

Anton Corbijn is a renowned Dutch photographer, music video director, and filmmaker. Best known for his iconic photography of musicians such as U2, Depeche Mode, and Joy Division, Corbijn has shaped the visual identity of modern rock music. Control marked his feature film directorial debut and earned him international acclaim, including the Best Director award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight.

Corbijn’s signature style blends stark visual aesthetics with emotional depth, making Control both a faithful tribute to Ian Curtis and a profound standalone work of cinema. He later went on to direct The American (2010), A Most Wanted Man(2014), and Life (2015).

About the Producer:

Orian Williams is an American film producer best known for his work on music-centered films and documentaries. He produced Control (2007), which won him the British Independent Film Award for Best Producer and established him as a leading figure in biographical and music-driven cinema. Williams has also been involved in acclaimed projects such as England Is Mine (2017), a biopic about Morrissey, and Creation Stories (2021), about the legendary Creation Records label.

With a strong focus on films that explore the lives of iconic musicians and cultural figures, Williams brings authenticity, passion, and deep respect for music history to his work. His involvement in Control helped ensure that the film resonated with both fans and critics as a definitive portrayal of Ian Curtis and Joy Division.

As part of our immersive film series, this screening is designed to promote a deeper cultural reflection of cinema. We invite filmmakers to participate in our screenings, enabling the audience to better understand their creative perspective. By encouraging thoughtful, collaborative participation crossing both sides of the screen, this series is dedicated to studying and preserving the art of film.

ADVISORY DISCLAIMER

With some exception, The Joshua Tree Cultural Center's Film Institute does not typically provide advisory warnings about potentially upsetting content or subject matter, as sensitivities are particular to each viewer. Please be sure to read event listings, research on the web, or visit Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com for thorough info on content and age-appropriateness. If you have any specific content advisory questions, please email info@jtarts.org.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Joshua Tre Cultural Center (JTCC), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with JTCC. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.