May 27, 2007 16:43

Ian Curtis biopic wins prizes at Cannes Film Festival

'Control' described as 'beautiful' and 'excellent'

The new Ian Curtis biopic 'Control' has won a host of acclaim and prizes at this year's Cannes Film Festival, including Best European Film.

Anton Corbijn's movie about the Joy Division singer, who committed suicide at the height of the band's powers in 1980, was shown outside the main Palme d'Or competition.

However, 'Control' was the big winner of the Director's Fortnight section, winning the CICAE Art & Essai prize for Best Film.

The movie also claimed the 'Regards Jeunes' award for best first or second directed feature film and the Europa Cinemas Label prize for Best European Film in the sidebar.

The Europa Cinemas jury said about the film: "This is a very impressive and assured debut from a renowned photographer, but he never allows the look of the film, beautiful though it is, to detract from the powerful story and character development.

"The performances are all excellent, not just the leading characters. We feel that this is a film that will strike a real chord with audiences around Europe, and not just with music lovers."

The movie is an adaptation of Curtis widow Deborah's memoirs of her life with the singer, 'Touching From A Distance'. In the movie, she is played by Oscar-nominated actress Samantha Morton, while Curtis is played by relative unknown Sam Riley.

'Control' is due for release later this year.