Review of if.... (1968) by Glyn J — 30 Jul 2007
Lindsay Anderson's savage take on life at a British Public School mixes surrealism and satire, bewilderment and clarity, as confidently as it mixes colour and monochrome at random. The public school is just the chosen metaphor for the themes of freedom and revolution, which explains why it became such an important film of the late 60's.
Quite by chance it forshadowed the student riots in Paris 1968 and Prague 1969. Highly controversial on it's release, the film was denounced as an insult to the British nation, whilst at the same time winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
If.... is all about taking risks and challenging expectations. I love the scene where the headmaster shuts the vicar in a drawer, as if to brush his murder under the carpet.
This review of if.... (1968) was written by Glyn J on 30 Jul 2007.
if.... has generally received very positive reviews.
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