If…. Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of boarding school kids get really mad, find some guns, and then everyone gets a surprise, possibly related to the English class system but probably not.

🍿 If….: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life at a British Public School

The film opens by introducing the rigid structure and often absurd traditions of a British boarding school in the late 1960s. We see the power dynamics between senior students (‘Whips’) and junior students (‘Scum’), the strict rules, and the detached nature of the faculty. This establishes the environment that breeds discontent among certain students. The film switches between color and black and white, a stylistic choice initially due to budgetary constraints that now enhances the film’s surreal atmosphere.

Mick and His Rebellion

Mick Travis, along with his friends Johnny and Wallace, actively resists the school’s oppressive environment. They break rules, challenge authority, and engage in acts of rebellion, both minor and significant. These acts escalate as they face increasingly harsh punishments from the Whips. The film explores themes of anti-establishment sentiment and the desire for freedom and individuality within a conformist society.

Escalation and Discovery

The boys’ rebellion takes a darker turn when they discover a hidden cache of weapons in the school’s basement during a punishment detail. This discovery provides them with the means to escalate their resistance. The film subtly explores the idea of violence as a form of rebellion, questioning the boundaries of justifiable action against an oppressive system. The introduction of “The Girl” adds a surreal element, symbolizing freedom and challenging conventional morality.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell): A rebellious student who leads a violent uprising against the oppressive traditions of a British public school.
• Wallace (Richard Warwick): One of Mick’s close friends and fellow rebels, who finds solace in a forbidden relationship with a younger student.
• Rowntree (Robert Swann): The Head Whip, embodying the school’s rigid authority and meting out harsh punishments to the students.
• The Girl (Christine Noonan): A mysterious and enigmatic figure who becomes entangled with Mick and the rebels, representing a force of unrestrained chaos.
• Headmaster (Peter Jeffrey): The seemingly detached and ineffectual leader of the school, representing the failing establishment targeted by the rebellion.
• Mr. Kemp (Arthur Lowe): The House Master who is easily manipulated by the Whips, representing the ineffectual staff.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mick Travis: “Violence and revolution are the only pure acts.” – Mick’s radical view on achieving change, showcasing his rebellious nature.
• Mick Travis: “One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place.” – Exemplifies Mick’s belief in direct action and violent solutions.
• Headmaster: “Work, play, but never mix the two.” – Highlights the rigid, compartmentalized approach to education at the school.
• Rowntree: “Run! Run in the corridor!” – An example of the petty tyranny exercised by the ‘Whips’ over the younger students.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £47,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 If…. Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched “If….” in college, and it completely blew my mind! The way Lindsay Anderson captured the feeling of teenage angst and frustration was something I had never seen before. Mick’s rebellion resonated so much, especially the scene where they’re cleaning the basement and find the weapons. The ending, though shocking, felt like the only possible outcome. I still think about this movie all the time. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider or questioned the system.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British New Wave cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in anti-establishment themes”
  • “Those who appreciate surreal and thought-provoking films”
  • “Malcolm McDowell fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Sight & Sound: “Anderson’s masterpiece is a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of rebellion. McDowell’s iconic performance captures the frustration and anger of a generation. The film’s blend of realism and surrealism creates a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
• The Guardian: “A biting satire of the British public school system. ‘If….’ is a powerful statement on conformity and the consequences of oppression. The film’s controversial ending remains shocking and relevant, sparking debate about the nature of revolution.
• Variety: “Controversial and visually striking, ‘If….’ is a challenging but rewarding film. While the plot may be disjointed, McDowell’s performance and Anderson’s direction elevate the movie. It is a bold and unforgettable cinematic statement.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the film’s raw depiction of teenage rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment.: The powerful ending left audiences deeply moved, sparking discussions about societal norms and the consequences of oppression.

Many appreciated the film’s blend of realism and surrealism, creating a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.: McDowell’s compelling performance as Mick Travis was widely admired, solidifying his status as a counter-culture icon.

Overall Consensus: ‘If….’ is a provocative and influential film that continues to resonate with audiences, lauded for its bold exploration of rebellion, striking visuals, and Malcolm McDowell’s unforgettable performance.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or)- 1969

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s switches between color and black and white were initially due to budget constraints and lighting issues, but director Lindsay Anderson later embraced it as a stylistic choice.”
• “Cheltenham College, where much of the film was shot, initially denied permission for filming, but Anderson managed to secure it through persistence and negotiation.”
• “Malcolm McDowell’s performance in ‘if….’ caught the eye of Stanley Kubrick, leading to McDowell’s iconic role in ‘A Clockwork Orange’.”
• “The film’s ending was intentionally ambiguous, with Anderson wanting to leave the audience questioning the reality of the violent uprising.”

🖥️ How to Watch If….?

As a classic film, ‘If….’ is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region. Consider purchasing a physical copy for a higher quality viewing experience and to support film preservation.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed If…., you might like these similar films:

• Zero for Conduct (1933): Direct inspiration for ‘if….’, sharing themes of student rebellion against an oppressive school environment.
• A Clockwork Orange (1971): Malcolm McDowell’s role as Alex showcases similar themes of rebellion and societal critique, exploring the individual versus the establishment.
• Another Country (1984): Explores the rigid social structure and repressed emotions within a British public school setting, similar to the themes in ‘if….’.
• Dead Poets Society (1989): Deals with themes of rebellion and finding one’s own path.
• Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018): A modern British boarding school satire that incorporates dark humour and the bizarre, similar to the tone and themes of ‘if….’

🛒 If…. Related Products

• A Clockwork Orange [Blu-ray]: Experience another iconic Malcolm McDowell performance in Kubrick’s masterpiece. A perfect complement to “If….” for fans of thought-provoking cinema.
• Lindsay Anderson: Cinema Verso Free Cinema: An in-depth look at the career of Lindsay Anderson, the visionary director of “If….”. This collection celebrates his unique contributions to British cinema, featuring rare interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and critical essays.
• “If….” Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster for “If….”. Capture the film’s rebellious spirit with this iconic piece of cinematic art. A must-have for fans and collectors alike.
• Malcolm McDowell: Never Apologize: A biography on the enigmatic Malcom McDowell, from his early beginnings to iconic film roles that shook the establishment. Understand the man behind the character with a compelling life story.

🎧 Soundtrack

If…. features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sanctus (Missa Luba)” – performed by Les Troubadours du Roi Baudouin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Godfather Explained: Cinematography of Shadows

Ever wonder how lighting can make a character seem totally different? This video breaks down how ‘The Godfather’ uses shadows to tell its story – it’s amazing how much mood they create!

✨ Rate