
O Lucky Man! (1973) is anarchist director Lindsay Anderson’s epic follow-up to his film if…(1968). It’s at times a surreal and darkly humorous allegory for survival in capitalist society. Like if…, it stars Malcolm McDowell as Mick Travis but in a less rebellious mode selling coffee for a multinational corporation. Through hard experience (not unlike the trials of his character Alex in A Clockwork Orange), Mick learns the consequences of abandoning his principles and the true nature of the ruling class he aspires to join. Serving as the film’s “Greek chorus” are excellent songs from Alan Price interspersed through the film.
I have fond memories of watching this film when it first came out.