Review of if.... (1968) by Connor A — 23 Mar 2014
The main theme of this film is frustration. An almost satirical look at the British-Anglican boarding schools in the UK, we see McDowell's character alongside his housemates suffer needless restrictions over every aspect of their school and personal lives.
His little acts of rebellion impend into something disturbing and extraordinary, something that is both abhorred and sympathised with by viewers. The frustration comes in when McDowell and his mates' fascination with violence is kept at bay, until the pressure and endless oppression of the school becomes too much, and the boys direct their frustrations onto the masses of powers-that-be.
McDowell executes the role effortlessly, and Anderson's precise mix of realism and surrealism makes this one of the most underrated social commentaries in film history.
This review of if.... (1968) was written by Connor A on 23 Mar 2014.
if.... has generally received very positive reviews.
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