Today's screening of Joy Division certainly leaves you feeling various emotions.  The film, directed by Grant Gee (pictured here), describes the forming of the band, its history and that of its band members, especially lead singer Ian Curtis.

Curtis is central to this film.  His lyrics were fueled by the economic state of where he lived and had grown up, Manchester, England.  Curtis's words also make mention of his anguish and emotional pain.  Throughout the film, Gee juxtaposes interviews -- with the band members, former producers, friends and in the case of Curtis, his lover Annik Honore-- with the band's music and also digitalized images of archived concert footage. The images and words certainly create the tone and mood of the film. 

As it is well known, Curtis committed suicide in May of 1980 just before the band was set to go on its North American tour.  The surviving members discuss how it was years after the fact that they realised how much Curtis was suffering.  After Curtis's death, the remaining members formed New Order; a band that became very successful in England and abroad in 1980's.

In the Q&A session after the screening, the director mentioned that his main inspiration in telling this story was his love for the music. He described how it was "something special, the music was perfect."  Through this film, you will certainly experience these feelings and more. 

Someone asked Gee why no one tried to help Curtis deal with his emotional suffering.  His answer was: "England in the 1970's was a very different place emotionally. ...In working class culture, people didn't talk about feelings."  The band certainly came from this part of society, which explains their music and Curtis's lyrics. It was unfortunate that such talent was lost but Curtis certainly left us many words to remember him by.