Review of if.... (1968) by James G — 25 Aug 2007
This film has aged very well compared to many of its peers (Zabriskie Point? Yuk!) - high school will always be hell, whether it's a militaristic public school like this one or an inner city comprehensive.
I love the use of colour and monochrome, and the surreal moment where the school chaplain appears in a sliding drawer. Needless to say, the Monty Python guys have used this film as an inspiration source throughout their career - most obviously on Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life (even the caption cards are identical!).
Anderson's films relied on a repertory of actors whom he cast in many of his films, if you watch this films sequels O Lucky Man! (1972) and Britannia Hospital (1982) McDowell's Travis is not the only returning star, many of the actors in this film also crop up in the two later films.
Mary McLeod is one of the unsung stars of this film, despite having hardly any lines she is perfect as the frigid housemaster's wife who wanders through the halls naked at night.
This review of if.... (1968) was written by James G on 25 Aug 2007.
if.... has generally received very positive reviews.
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