Lindsay Anderson’s 1968 film, If…., concludes with a chaotic and ultimately unresolved massacre. The rebel students, led by Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell), unleash a hail of gunfire from the school roof during the Founder’s Day assembly, targeting teachers, the Brigadier, and fellow students, leaving the viewer to question the extent of the carnage and the true nature of the rebellion.
The Final Act: From Rebellion to Bloodshed
The build-up to If….‘s explosive finale is a masterclass in escalating tension. The film meticulously charts the escalating injustices experienced by Mick and his fellow rebels – Johnny and Wallace – within the rigid confines of a British public school. From petty humiliations and corporal punishment to the disturbing power dynamics enforced by the Whips (senior students granted authority over their juniors), the film paints a picture of a system ripe for revolt.
The final act sees the boys’ rebellion take a violent turn. After escaping detention, they arm themselves with weapons and position themselves on the roof. The Founder’s Day celebrations, a symbol of the very tradition they despise, provide the perfect stage for their dramatic and destructive act of defiance.
The sequence itself is a jarring mix of reality and fantasy. Anderson blurs the lines between what is actually happening and what might be taking place in the boys’ imaginations. The sudden shifts between black and white and color, the surreal imagery, and the exaggerated violence contribute to a sense of disorientation. This ambiguity is crucial to understanding the film’s message. Are we witnessing a literal massacre, or a metaphorical representation of the destructive potential of repressed anger and societal dysfunction?
The film ends abruptly with the rebels still firing, leaving the fate of the school – and perhaps the future of Britain – hanging precariously in the balance. There is no resolution, no judgment, only the lingering echo of gunfire and the chilling suggestion that violence, once unleashed, is difficult to contain.
Frequently Asked Questions About If….‘s Ending
Q1: How Many People Actually Die in If….‘s Ending?
It’s deliberately unclear. The film never explicitly shows bodies piling up or confirms the death count. The ambiguous nature of the ending suggests that the exact number is less important than the symbolic impact of the violence. It’s a representation of the destruction of the old order, whether literal or metaphorical.
Q2: Who Are the Rebels Shooting At?
The targets are primarily figures of authority and oppression. They include teachers, the Brigadier (representing the military establishment), and the Whips. Fellow students are also caught in the crossfire, blurring the moral lines of the rebellion. The indiscriminate nature of the shooting highlights the destructive potential of rage.
Q3: What is the Significance of the Shift Between Black and White and Color?
The shifts between black and white and color contribute to the film’s overall sense of unease and ambiguity. The black and white sequences often represent the rigid, oppressive reality of the school, while the color sequences can signify moments of heightened emotion, fantasy, or violence. This disorientation is intentional, reflecting the subjective experience of the characters and the blurring of reality and imagination.
Q4: Is the Ending Meant to Be Taken Literally?
That’s the central question the film poses. There is no definitive answer. Some critics argue that the ending is a purely symbolic representation of rebellion, while others believe it depicts a literal massacre. The film’s strength lies in its ability to provoke debate and force viewers to confront their own interpretations of violence and authority. The ambiguity is deliberate.
Q5: What Role Does Mick Travis Play in the Ending?
Mick Travis, played by Malcolm McDowell, is the ringleader of the rebellion. He is the most charismatic and enigmatic of the three rebels, and his unwavering defiance fuels the others. He represents the anti-establishment spirit and the desire for freedom from oppression. His lack of remorse at the end solidifies his image as a revolutionary figure, albeit a controversial one.
Q6: How Does If…. Relate to the Social and Political Climate of the 1960s?
If…. is a product of its time, reflecting the social and political unrest of the late 1960s. The film taps into the anxieties and frustrations of a generation questioning authority, challenging traditional values, and demanding change. The Vietnam War, student protests, and the counterculture movement all contribute to the context in which the film was made and received. It’s a powerful allegory for broader societal struggles.
Q7: What is the Significance of the Title, If….?
The title is intentionally open-ended, suggesting the potential consequences of actions and the uncertain nature of the future. It invites viewers to consider the “what ifs” of the situation: If the boys hadn’t been mistreated, if the system hadn’t been so oppressive, if violence hadn’t been chosen as a solution. The title encourages speculation and reflection.
Q8: How Does the Ending Connect to the Rest of the Film?
The ending is the culmination of the escalating tension and injustices depicted throughout the film. The petty humiliations, the brutal punishments, and the overall atmosphere of repression build towards the inevitable explosion of violence. The film’s narrative structure carefully lays the groundwork for the chaotic finale.
Q9: What is Lindsay Anderson Trying to Say With This Film?
Anderson is not offering easy answers or solutions. He is challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about authority, violence, and the potential for rebellion. He is questioning the structures of power and the ways in which they can corrupt and oppress. The film is a provocation, not a propaganda piece.
Q10: What is the “Crusader 8” Mentioned During the Ending?
“Crusader 8” is a seemingly random phrase uttered during the rooftop massacre. Its meaning is deliberately obscure. Some interpret it as a coded message, perhaps related to a specific historical or political event. Others believe it’s simply a nonsensical phrase intended to further enhance the surreal and chaotic atmosphere of the ending.
Q11: What is the Lasting Impact of If….?
If…. remains a controversial and influential film. Its unflinching portrayal of violence, its ambiguous ending, and its powerful themes of rebellion continue to resonate with audiences today. The film’s impact can be seen in subsequent works that explore similar themes of anti-establishment sentiment and societal critique. It’s a seminal work of British cinema.
Q12: Where Can I Watch If…. Today?
If…. is available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms and through physical media distributors. Check platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, and DVD/Blu-ray retailers to find options for viewing this classic film. It’s often shown in repertory theaters as well.