Review of if.... (1968) by Mark F — 09 Feb 2009

If.... is a gnomic film, wilfully challenging viewers to explore it. It is a film that invites viewers to construct their own interpretations of the film and its meaning, not unlike the surrealist masterpiece 'Last Year at Marienbad'.

Part of the joy of the film lies within its provocative obscurity. What is the relationship of the girl in the café to the boys? Why does the minister reappear in the headmaster's office? These mysteries and many others are deliberately left unresolved. The viewer is instead presented with elements that illustrate the evolution and construction of Mick Travis' worldview, a perspective that necessarily culminates in the apocalyptic violence of the finale.

It is interesting to note the number of British writers and artists who recognise elements of this film within their own experiences. My own limited experience of an Australian Church of England school certainly recognised and identified with the world of Mick Travis and College House.

The cinematography is stunning, and another source for confusion amongst viewers. The abrupt switches from colour to monochrome have provoked some interesting discussions, generally ignoring Anderson's own comments about technical and financial limitations.

The performance by Malcolm MacDowell as Mick Travis is particularly impressive, at once capturing the arrogance and confusion of youth. Indeed, this characterization seems to have been influential in Kubrick's use of McDowell in Clockwork Orange. Unlike Clockwork Orange, If.... is uncompromising and unflinching in its exploration of the madness of youth.

I adore this film for many reasons, both rational and otherwise. Anyone interested in British cinema should take the time to seek this film out: it is an important film that is increasingly ignored today. The DVD reissue will hopefully reignite interest in this incediary and thought provoking film.