If…. (1968) Movie Review – A Revolutionary Drama that Shakes the Establishment
If…. (1968), directed by Lindsay Anderson, is a provocative and influential film that captures the spirit of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment of the late 1960s. Set in a British public school, the film explores themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for individuality within a rigid and authoritarian system. With its blend of surrealism, satire, and stark realism, If…. remains a powerful and unsettling cinematic experience. This review delves into the film’s plot, themes, performances, direction, and availability for streaming, particularly in the United States.
Plot Overview
If…. unfolds at a fictional British boys’ boarding school named College House, where tradition, discipline, and hierarchy dominate every aspect of life. The film follows a group of students, led by Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell in his breakout role), who become increasingly disillusioned with the oppressive and dehumanizing environment.
The school is divided into strict social strata, with the younger students, or “Scum,” at the bottom, subjected to bullying and harsh discipline from the older students, known as “Whips.” The staff, too, are complicit in maintaining the rigid social order, with the Headmaster and other teachers enforcing strict codes of behavior and punishing any signs of rebellion.
Mick Travis and his friends, Johnny (David Wood) and Wallace (Richard Warwick), begin to push back against the system, their rebellion escalating from minor acts of defiance to something far more dangerous. The film’s narrative is punctuated by surreal and symbolic sequences, blurring the line between reality and fantasy as the students’ revolt reaches its dramatic and violent climax.
Themes and Symbolism
If…. is rich with themes that resonate with the political and social upheavals of the 1960s. At its core, the film is a critique of the rigid and authoritarian structures that suppress individuality and enforce conformity. The boarding school serves as a microcosm of the larger society, where tradition and power are used to maintain control over the younger generation.
One of the film’s most striking themes is the tension between conformity and rebellion. The characters of Mick Travis and his friends embody the spirit of youthful rebellion, challenging the oppressive authority that seeks to crush their individuality. Their resistance is not just against the school’s rules but against the entire social order that the school represents.
The film also explores themes of violence and revolution. As the students’ rebellion grows, the film delves into the idea of violent resistance as a means of achieving freedom. The climactic final sequence, where fantasy and reality merge in an explosive confrontation, serves as a powerful and unsettling commentary on the nature of rebellion and the potential for violence that lies within it.
The use of surrealism in If…. is key to its thematic depth. Lindsay Anderson blends reality with fantasy, creating a dreamlike narrative that reflects the inner turmoil of the characters and the oppressive atmosphere of the school. The film’s black-and-white sequences, interspersed with color, further enhance its surreal quality, creating a disorienting and unsettling experience for the viewer.
Performances
Malcolm McDowell’s performance as Mick Travis is the heart of If…. His portrayal of the rebellious student is both charismatic and unsettling, capturing the complexity of a character who is both a victim of the system and a catalyst for its destruction. McDowell’s intense and brooding presence on screen makes Mick a compelling and unforgettable protagonist, a role that would later lead to his iconic performance in A Clockwork Orange (1971).
The supporting cast, including David Wood as Johnny and Richard Warwick as Wallace, effectively convey the camaraderie and shared sense of disillusionment among the rebellious students. Their performances add depth to the group dynamic, highlighting the different ways in which each character responds to the oppressive environment of the school.
The authority figures in the film, particularly the Headmaster (Peter Jeffrey) and the Whips, are portrayed with a cold, almost detached cruelty that underscores the dehumanizing nature of the system they represent. Their performances contribute to the film’s critique of institutional power and the way it corrupts those who wield it.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Lindsay Anderson’s direction is masterful, blending realism with surrealism to create a film that is both grounded in the harsh realities of institutional life and elevated by its symbolic and dreamlike sequences. Anderson’s use of contrasting visual styles, particularly the shifts between black-and-white and color, creates a disorienting and haunting atmosphere that reflects the psychological and emotional states of the characters.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually as the students’ rebellion escalates. Anderson’s decision to include surreal and symbolic elements adds a layer of ambiguity to the narrative, leaving the viewer to interpret the meaning and implications of the film’s more abstract moments.
The cinematography by Miroslav Ondříček is stark and unflinching, capturing the cold, regimented world of the boarding school in a way that heightens the film’s themes of oppression and rebellion. The school itself is portrayed as a bleak, almost prison-like environment, with its rigid architecture and oppressive atmosphere serving as a visual metaphor for the characters’ confinement.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, If…. was both praised and criticized for its bold and controversial content. The film’s depiction of rebellion and violence, as well as its critique of British institutions, sparked debate and controversy. However, it was also lauded for its daring and innovative approach to storytelling, with many critics recognizing it as a powerful and important film of its time.
If…. won the Palme d’Or at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival, solidifying its status as a significant and influential work of cinema. Over the years, it has been regarded as a landmark film in British cinema, known for its subversive themes and its impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
The film’s influence can be seen in subsequent works that explore themes of rebellion and institutional oppression, and it remains a touchstone for filmmakers interested in pushing the boundaries of narrative and cinematic style.
Where to Watch If…. (1968) Online
For those interested in watching If…., the film is available on several streaming platforms and rental services, particularly in the United States:
- Criterion Channel: If…. is available for streaming on the Criterion Channel, known for its curated collection of classic and important films.
- Amazon Prime Video: The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, with purchase options available for around $12.99.
- Apple TV: If…. is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, offering a convenient option for high-definition streaming.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film can be rented or purchased on Google Play Movies & TV, providing flexibility for viewers who prefer streaming on various devices.
- YouTube Movies: If…. is also accessible on YouTube Movies for rent or purchase, making it easily available for streaming.
Final Verdict
If…. is a film that challenges the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about authority, rebellion, and the nature of power. Lindsay Anderson’s direction, combined with Malcolm McDowell’s powerful performance, creates a cinematic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The film’s blend of realism and surrealism, along with its bold thematic content, ensures that it remains a relevant and influential work of cinema.
For those who appreciate films that push boundaries and provoke thought, If…. is a must-watch. Its availability on multiple streaming platforms ensures that it continues to reach new audiences, offering a powerful and unsettling exploration of the human spirit’s resistance to oppression.
