A British film about the life and death of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, starring a first-time actor, has earned a rapturous reception in Cannes.

Unknown Sam Riley said he was "working in a warehouse in Leeds folding shirts" when he was cast to star in Control. Debut film director Anton Corbijn said the newcomer had brought "an innocence and freshness that I was hoping for but never thought I would find".  The movie opened the 60th Cannes Film Festival's Director's Fortnight.
"This is a very hard role for anybody to play, because it is very hard to fit in somebody's shoes who has become an icon in many people's eyes," said the Dutch director.