Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart

A video clip relic, "Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart" is, without doubt, one of a kind. No exaggeration with that. It's the group's only video clip with all members; possibly one of their few video register besides BBC performances and there's the great Ian Curtis (1956-1980), with his unique, unusual somber presence, potent baritone voice (though in this song he sounds quite restrained, more appealing to some, unlike other of Joy Division songs), and the video was shot a few months before his death. If it wasn't for this clip, it'd take a long time for me to finally discover the band - I discovered then due to a MTV commercial on the lines the 'evolution of species' which always presented four similar themed groups through the years, and in that promo Joy Division was included along with other "depressing themes/melodies" groups. It was just a band's performance but somehow there was something gripping there, quite remarkable and since then I never forgotten.

Band performing their classic hit inside this small room with a door filled with marked signs and names (being Ian C the most noticeable); saturated colors and at times some strange effects as part of its photography; Hook, Morris, Curtis and Sumner each playing their part but our attention always goes to Curtis not just because it's a rare image of him (and a colorful one since most of his images are practically all monochromatic, always beautifully captured by Anton Corbijn) but it's his performance that feels unlike anyone has ever done before. Barely opening his eyes, always looking down, totally concentrated in the words he was singing, playing his strangely shaped guitar from time to time. The other three members also going through their routine, with Morris killing himself behind the drums and the others are all cool and calm. But it's the energy that comes from Ian's voice and presence that makes it a more chilling and different experience. And the song is pure perfection, from its harmony to those meaningful lyrics.

Can't and won't judge about its imperfections (if there is one) or its simplistic mode since this video was made when clips weren't exactly a fashion, artists did it back then to get some exposure. This video end up being like those films from the silent era and we're all thankful they just survived the test of time. Unlike those TV archives of Joy Division and their live acts, this video truly presents the band - yes, even though "Unknown Pleasures" already existed. But for those who never knew the guys and how they acted, this is a great chance to see them. Curious random note: I've seen it several times through the years but just recently I noticed the similarity between this short and "New Order: Perfect Kiss", in case you're lost it's the same band (without Ian) which surfaced when Joy Division was over. The static camera for most of the shoot, very subtle movements and it's all about introducing all the bands members, what they play and how they act. Perhaps that's the magic between both groups taking place, in simply being themselves, not going for a stronger showy act, keeping to a minimum - heck, just look at all the other New Order videos and you'll see that they didn't succumb to show spectacular videos during the MTV era but they always achieved some positive effect; even Joy Division's second and final clip "Atmosphere", is a memorable artistic tribute to a defunct band made several years later after its closure. You might miss the effect it causes but it's there. Must look deeper.

Perfect in my book. It presented me to a world of varieties, sounds, music and other things. And learning: clips don't necessarily need to be a spectacle of money waste to captivate audiences. This video is a true example. What stays in the memory and the everlasting effect is what matters the most in the years to come. This one stayed with me. 10/10