By Julissa Treviño/south news editor
If … (5 stars)
Starring Malcolm McDowell as a rebellious and handsome English public-school boy, If … is an incredibly stunning and fiercely anti-establishment film (the first part of what later became a trilogy) directed by Lindsay Anderson.
Mick Travis (McDowell), along with his two chums Knightly (David Wood) and Wallace (Richard Warwick), are the “degenerates” of the school, who, wanting freedom and a sense of self, begin a slow revolution against the hierarchy and authority of the school.
Before famously establishing himself in A Clockwork Orange, McDowell makes quite an impression in If ….,playing the charming, humorous and defiant character brilliantly. McDowell morphs into his character so naturally the two become parallel.
The 1968 film, like most of Anderson’s work, is an allegorical portrayal of the British class system and the rebellion that arises in younger generations. The film, as a satire, is a fantastic and epic mix of reality and fantasy.
Combining black and white with color, Anderson creates a poetic visual effect. But, as Anderson once mentioned, his choice in black and white scenes were not symbolic in any way.
The intensity, in its satirical view, script, direction, cinematography and acting, that saturates the film is extraordinary and definitely the reason If …. is a must-see in film history.
