Lindsay Anderson's If.... is like a lighter but more direct version of Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange with the mischievous Malcolm McDowell playing the protagonist in both films. In Anderson's film, however, you understand more fully why McDowell's character Mick Travis is the way he is. Your frustration and rage grow until you're relieved and horrified at the same time by the ending.

The fundamental question the film poses takes place in Mick's history class: were the atrocities of the past the fault of a lone dictator or the collective result of everyone in the society? As time goes on it seems pretty obvious that given an extremely stressful environment, most people would still follow a Hitler-like character without a second thought and gladly scapegoat whatever problems exist on a sacrificial lamb. Hitler is more of a symbol of collective rotten-ness than a lone catalyst for atrocity although society doesn't want that to be so. You know, it may be obvious but you can't treat all children poorly an expect them all to be well adjusted. We create our Hitlers and Columbines and until we admit this it will happen over and over.

If.... is a classic rebellion and social commentary film that also makes one feel free and trapped simultaneously and it's an enjoyable ride!

In an indictment of the British Boys School, we follow Mick and his mostly younger friends through a series of indignities and occasionally abuse as any fond feelings toward these schools are destroyed. When Mick and his friends rebel, violently, the catch phrase, "which side would you be on" becomes quite stark. Source

Screens:

Product Links: