Tag Archives: Lindsay Anderson

Saturday Matinee: Britannia Hospital

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“Britannia Hospital” (1982) is the third installment of director Lindsay Anderson’s “Mick Travis Trilogy”. Like the other films in the series, it’s a dark comedy following a particularly eventful chapter in the life of Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell) as he confronts various disturbing and absurd aspects of Britain and western society in general. In Britannia Hospital, Travis is a muckraking investigative journalist covertly filming a documentary on the prestigious Britannia Hospital as it faces a variety of challenges including the opening of a new wing, the arrival of the Queen Mother and other dignitaries, and protesters opposing an African dictator’s stay at the hospital as well as extravagant meals for VIP guests. As he gets further into his investigation Travis becomes embroiled in a secret transhumanist project directed by the head of the new wing. The Film’s central thesis is summed up by the following statement from Lindsay Anderson:

“The absurdities of human behaviour as we move into the Twenty-first Century are too extreme — and too dangerous — to permit us the luxury of sentimentalism or tears. But by looking at humanity objectively and without indulgence, we may hope to save it. Laughter can help.”

Watch the full film here.

Saturday Matinee: O Lucky Man!

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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.

Saturday Matinee: if…

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sjff_01_img0231“if…” (1968) is one of the all-time classic student rebellion films directed by notorious anarchist Lindsay Anderson. In his first screen role, Malcolm McDowell stars as the oppressed non-conformist Mick Travis who with a few cohorts, stage an armed revolution in their school. According to the film’s Wikipedia entry, shortly before Lindsay Anderson’s death in 1994 he had completed the script for a yet unmade official sequel to “if…” (not to be confused with the other films in the Mick Travis trilogy, “O Lucky Man” and Britannia Hospital”) described as follows:

The sequel takes place during a Founders’ Day Celebration where many of the characters reunite. Mick Travis is now an Oscar-nominated movie star, eschewing England for Hollywood. Wallace is a military major who has lost his arm. Johnny is a clergyman. Rowntree is the Minister of War. In the script Rowntree is kidnapped by a group of anti-war students and saved by Mick and his gang, though not before Mick crucifies Rowntree with a large nail through his palm.

Saturday Matinee: Is That All There Is?

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“Is That All There Is?”(1995) was part of a series commissioned by the BBC documenting directors around the world and their surroundings. This episode featuring anarchist director Lindsay Anderson depicts his home life and community in North London and offers a glimpse into his personality and interests. Anderson is best known for his groundbreaking films “If…” and “O Lucky Man”, and this film serves as a final tribute since he passed away shortly after.