IF

Presented by Christopher Hauke

Our opening film of the season “Nation, Identity and the Other” is Lindsay Anderson’s If… starring Malcolm McDowell in his first major role.

It is an indictment of the British public school system in which we follow Mick and others through the school’s indignities, bullying and abuse as any fond feelings we may have for such places get worn away. When Mick and his friends rebel, violently, the phrase “which side will you be on?” takes on a stark reality.

Told in a partly surreal and partly very naturalistic style, we are shown the outdated traditions, beatings from the teachers and the silly games that are part of this British national institution: the “public school” – actually a private institution which has been the source of British government leaders for more than a century.