Casting Couch: Ian Curtis
Casting has been announced for the upcoming Joy Division film, Control. Newcomer Sam Riley will play the brilliant-but-doomed singer Ian Curtis, who committed suicide in 1980 on the eve of the band's first American tour. Samantha Morton will play Curtis' widow, Deborah. (It is her book, Touching From A Distance, on which the screenplay is based.) German actress Alexandra Maria Lara, who just finished filming the new Francis Ford Coppola film Youth By Youth, will play the singer's lover Annik Honore. The film will be the first feature from acclaimed photographer and music video director Anton Corbijn (Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box"). Deborah Curtis and Tony Wilson, Factory Records founder and the subject of 24 Hour Party People, will both be credited as co-producers. According to NME, New Order will rerecord some Joy Division tracks, as well as lay down some new songs, for the soundtrack. The production team hopes to begin shooting in Manchester later this year.I thought Sean Harris was great as the doomed Division head in 24 Hour Party People, but obviously his role didn't necessitate loads of screen time. With Corbijn at the helm ... could be cool.
Back in May, Mojo did a cover story in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Curtis' suicide on the eve of his band's first U.S. tour. They interviewed Ian's 27-year-old daughter for it.
MOJO: When did you become aware that your father was an icon?
NATALIE CURTIS: When I was a teenager. I'd heard "Love Will Tear Us Apart" on the radio as a young child. I was aware of it; I thought it was a cult thing, and they weren't that well known.
MOJO: Did people ever approach you asking "Are you Ian Curtis's daughter?"
NATALIE CURTIS: It started when I was about 16. How did I react? I got used to it, really. I didn't happen that much. In Manchester, everyone's in bands and no one gives a shit...
MOJO: What do you think of people your own age who are into them? What's the attraction?
NATALIE CURTIS: A lot more people are into them now than a few years ago. I think it's brilliant music. I suppose if it wasn't my dad I'd have been listening to it loads and they would be one of my favourite bands -- well, they are one of my favourite bands.
Posted at 5:07 PM in Casting Couch
Tags: Joy Division

































Curtis you mean.
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can't wait for this. i hear rumors of this being in black and white??
that would be most excellent.
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Ian Curis... he was in Joy Divisin right?
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Jude Law was initally rumoured to star as Ian, that would have been hot. I've never heard of Sam Riley though. I hope it turns out well.
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is that the same interview that appeared in uncut like months ago? i swear she gave the exact same answers.
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Who'll be playing Bernard and Hooky?
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I agree with Hooky (and Scott). Sean Harris did an awesome job in 24HrPP. And I'm glad they turned down Jude Law.
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If Jude Law and his small penis were Ian, Id have to go only to fling my own poo at the screen.
Can I suggest Louie Anderson for "Hooky?" It would be a dream to see fair Louie rocking out to Interzone or Novelty! And Mr. Martin... hmmmmm... BEN STILLER!
Also, if there is going to be some factory alumni, can we not make fun of Vinni Reilly as 24 Hour Party People did?
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