If... (1968) - Lindsay Anderson - 9/10 & added to my "masterpiece collection" list
Malcolm McDowell's debut role, of a rebellious youth sick of an English boarding school's strict rules. a metaphor against authority, surreal/fantasy in parts to contrast the student's grim reality of order, emotionless and systematic daily life.
Amazing performance by McDowell that scored him the role in Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece A Clockwork Orange (1971). Kubrick was so determined to have McDowell, if he couldn't get Malcolm, the film wouldn't happen. After finally watching If.... I can see many similarities that Kubrick was inspired by. Both brilliant films and with the cult following Kubrick's film has, Anderson's masterpiece should be considered as an companion film and just as good, if not better...
With amazing cinematography by Miroslav Ondříček, unexpected score that really fits and bold story telling. The film came out at the peak of the youth movement in Europe and America, and has been seen as a precursor to these riots, even tho that wasn't Lindsay's focus. This is an essential piece of cinema that must not be missed!