Boarding School Satire That Bites
For our August 2023 member bonus episode, we head to the world of boarding schools and rebellion with Lindsay Anderson. Anderson was a student who went through this system so knew it well. And pairing this world with satire in a film made in the late 60s seems like a perfect blend. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off this member bonus series looking at the 1969 National Society of Film Critics Awards • Best Cinematography nominees with a discussion about Anderson’s iconic satire of conformity and authority in the British boarding school system – if….
Here’s a hint at what we talk about.
We discuss how if…’s satirical messages hold up today, particularly in regards to school violence. We also debate the film’s portrayals of the boarding school system and establishment. This leads us to discuss the fantastic performances from Malcolm McDowell in his breakout role. Of course, we have to talk about Miroslav Ondrícek’s use of both black and white and color cinematography throughout the film, and why that apparently arbitrary style leads to alternative ways to read the final act of the film. We also cover Lindsay Anderson’s daring direction that pushed boundaries.
It’s a thought-provoking conversation, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our discussion begins!
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This is a member bonus episode. We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get other monthly member bonus episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and early releases for every episode. Plus, no ads! And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
