JD film news

From Joy Division Central:

'The forthcoming Ian Curtis film now has a working title, "These Days," and Jude Law will not play Ian. Here's what Orian Williams from Claraflora told us: "One noteworthy bit of information, we have collectively decided on a new title for the film, "These Days" will be our working title from now on. The poignancy and relevance it has is perfect for the film we are making ... Also take note that Jude Law is not attached to play Ian, it was mentioned by Hook as a possibility and although and interesting choice he will not be Ian".'

Wow. that is big news about Jude Law.

Originally posted by Ally3000 > Originally posted by Spotnick> Maybe, but the guy in 24HPP can't bring in 20M$ at the box office, can he?

No, but no offence Nic, who gives a shit about 20M$ at the box office? You missed the point in my original post I feel I.e. Hollywood is generally heavily product-placemented-sponsored nonsense! And no, I do not sit around watching subtitled French art films all day and I do own a fair few Hollywood productions on DVD but I would rather have some sort of a decent production for Ian rather than, as I said, Indiana Jones and the Lost Vocalist.

From my own point of view, if it were a case of having the Ian Curtis film the "top grossing" (as they're so fond of saying) production being utter contrived shite, or being a small-scale true-to-the-original production I would choose the latter every time. I really don't give a shit about mass public recognition of the band or my interest in them. In fact if New Order/Joy Division were as big as U2 or Coldplay I would be quite worried.

The whole reason I post, listen to, and encourage my friends to listen to JD/New Order is not because I want to see the band on Top of the Pops or get awards, but because I want them to experience the same thrill and excitement I (still) get from the music. I'm sure you're the same ;) Who really gives a toss about an Ian biopic beating Shrek 5?

Ally. Agree, Hardcore, well said Ally.

Spotnik you pessimist. Don't you believe that movies are made by artists who want to convey a story in the best way possible.

AAh no it must be to make money.

Originally posted by Ronald Kirsch Spotnik you cynic. Don't you believe that movies are made by artists who want to convey a story in the best way possible. AAh no it must be to make money.

Maybe Jude will play Barney. ;)

I'm already fearing for this movie, and have been ever since it became American. The quintessential Mancunian element won't be there unless the right people (i.e. unpretentious normal people) are involved in the key roles. The dichotomy between needing a big star to justify making the film and making a credible film is already present. If they need a big star name to sell it, they shouldn't be making it.

Originally posted by Spotnick As far as I know, the only element that will be american is the production... money... it's been said in articles that the project would be a "manchester project".....

So it will be filmed in hollywood then?

This is interesting news... and I agree with Ally, I think the guy from 24PP would fit the role perfectly... he definitely has the actions of Ian, and honestly, he knows the character better then anyone else at this point.

Originally posted by Ally3000 Thank god for that to be honest. While Jude Law is a good actor I disagree with his choosing for the Curtis role for numerous reasons, the main one being: he's far too old! I mean, Ian didn't even make his mid 20s, and Law is how old? Plus with him on board you'd no doubt get that Hollywood "Heat Magazine" obsessive interest in the film that would gut it from the outset in my opinion. Those people are the lowest form of life, we'd be subjected to "What Ian Curtis used to keep his weight down", "Hooky's tips on testing your partner's faithfulness" etc. I know it's been reported as "out of the question" but the guy who played Ian (Sean Harris?) in 24 Hour Party People was absolutely brilliant, both in looks and acting ability... It's such a shame he seems to be refusing to reprise the role. I watched the film last week with my brother and his performance always seemed the most authentic bar Rob Gretton who was also excellent.Plus the looming involvement of Hollywood is really worrying me about this film. I would rather see a "film" than a "movie" if you know what I mean? A "Movie" I.e. All the bad guys having british accents/bad teeth and Nazi uniforms, with Curtis being the yank good guy fighting to record his debut album in downtown LA against all odds would be a sorry addition to the Joy Division legacy. I hope Deborah Curtis knows what she's doing trusting her book with supposed "Hollywood" people. I for one, thought her book was brilliant, respectful, and honest... Let's hope they don't turn it into Indiana Jones and the Lost Vocalist.Ally.

I agree. The only thing I would add is that raking in big box office would broaden the audience to New Order and Joy Division which would be good for the band and I know everyone seems to be quite Anti Yank about it but if it is sensitively done (and it can be done) then it being a successful movie on both sides of the Atlantic can only be a good thing IMHO.

There is a danger of Ian being portrayed as a tortured soul by day and by night a man with supernatural super hero powers but I don't think it will come to that.

There are still so many million people who haven't heard of JD and go "Oh yeah, that New Order band. They did that Blue Monday song didn't they......the one that goes...." There is nothing wrong with broadening your appeal to the masses as long as they can stay in control of who you are. And they have demonstrated that since the late seventies.

I used to think being a fan of an exclusive band was cool but not anymore because if no one else knows about that particular band there is a chance slowly but surely they will fade and end. And being a fan of a band that is finished for me is not cool.

Right, one step down off my high horse and the other is now off the soap box......... :bag:

I know everyone seems to be quite Anti Yank about it but if it is sensitively done (and it can be done) then it being a successful movie on both sides of the Atlantic can only be a good thing IMHO.

But c'mon we are being pessimistic about it because as they have a track record of totally ruining classic british films in remakes (ie - get carter, italian job, the ladykillers) or rewriting history.

on top of that we will have the danger of a well known yank being parachuted into a key role to get stateside interest up - the problem being that well known != good actor 85% of the time. And if they don't get the accent right, the film will suck donkey balls.

As for who should play Ian - it's a shame Gary Oldman isn't 25 years younger :)