If... Closing Scene Analysis

With reference to the closing of the film text If (1968) detail how it represents the representation of youth and conflict "Swinging Britian".

The final scene of If... (1968) shows group of nurses, priests and general workers and enforcers of authority running out of a church that has smoke pouring out of it. There's then an explosion from a bomb and people lying lifeless on the floor. It's originally difficult to tell if the entire scene is in the protagonists head or if it's real or not. As it's difficult to distinguish whether it's reality, it's clear that this is the protagonist's dream. We then see a fast zoom in to the protagonist shooting into a group of people, by figure expression we can see that he's extremely angry and by doing this, he's taking back control in his life. We also see that he's with a girl that he met after him and Wallace stole a motorbike. The girl represents freedom that he and Wallace experienced, the control that he had on his life for that brief period and how the girl also felt trapped and lack of control in her life working in a cafe.

After the group of boys are repeated shooting at the crowd, we see people from the church window handing out guns to everyone else. This could show how even though they are meant to be a god loving society, it could show a hypocrisy which is a reason as to why the protagonist is so angry in the first place. Then the headmaster attempts to reason with them and claims that he understands them and begs them to trust him, but the anger is too much for the protagonist and the girl, who represents in this case a wish for freedom shoots him. This is a visual metaphor for the protagonists wishes to have control of his life out-weighting any reason that the establishment have to offer.
We then see every member of the crowd trying to fight back, showing that even though the leader of the school is dead, the idea of conformism is support by every member in the crowd. The scene then cuts from scenes of the members of the establishment shooting back at the protagonist and the protagonist shooting back and defending himself. By using a close up shot of the protagonist, it makes him appear as more of a victim showing that he's always been a victim of the conformist's aggression, but when he fights back, he's extremely outnumbered.

Georgy Girl (1966) Opening Scene Analysis

The opening scene shows a confident young women in old fashioned clothes walking down the streets of London. The street and busy moving cars could act as a metaphor for how swinging London is just passing her by, but she doesn't seem to mind too much that she's not living the sixties dream. The, like other iconic sixties film, the protagonist is then seen swinging her handbag to indicate her own confidence and rebellion - this could also been seen as ironic as the old-fashion yet confident protagonist is taking part in a typical scene of the sixties. 

As the female protagonist, Georgy, approaches the shops window to look at the latest fashion. Through the cinematography looking through the window at georgy and the figure expression, it's clear that she is interested to try new and modern hairstyles. However, as she briefly goes off scene, it's clear that she's apprehensive about the idea of change. As she walks into the shop, she's quickly ushered by a worker of the hairdressers. When he looks at her and touches her hair it's clear that he's very judgmental about the way she looks. The camera then shows close up shots of each hair style. As it's quickly changes from one style to the other, it shows how unsure Georgy is about having her hair styled differently, however she gives into the peer pressure and changes her hairstyle.

After coming out of the hairdressers, Georgy looks at herself in the mirror and is quite shocked she she find the style doesn't suite her. Georgy's costume is typically old-fashioned and with the modern hairstyle, she feels as if she's living a lie. Georgy then runs to try and fix her hair when she eventually gets to a public toilet. Without hesitation she wets her hair so she can quickly restore he comfortable style.

Georgy Girl (1966) - Film Response

I really did enjoy this film and i can't fully explain why. Maybe just a simple case of i found it really interesting and above everything, extremely surreal. The over-all story line was just ever so slightly, to be blunt about it, mad! And I'm not even 100% sure that i understood what happened. I feel a big contributing factor to the craziness of the film was the soundtrack, with cheesy, American sitcom-like sounds and typical jokey 'walking music' when Joss would walk through the house, It gave the impression that the film was some terrible comedy gone wrong. And yet, as much as i hated the soundtrack, i actually loved how it did accompany the film. I think it connoted Georgie's carefree attitude, but also had serious undertones and the music showed that.

The film took a great approach to the swinging sixties and showing life in reverse, showing a at heart old-fashioned woman trying to adapt to the forever changing sixties. Each film i've seen from the sixties has shown the harsh and realistic qualities of society; in fact the only film I've even known to glorify it was the comedy spoof Austin Powers (1997).

 7.5/10 - I did really enjoy the film, although it's craziness was difficult to get my head around, it took a really interesting approach to society in the sixties which i loved.

Up the Junction (1968) Film Response

This film took an interesting approach to the representation to woman, and with the use of a female main protagonist, it was definitely more positive compared to other swinging sixties films, such as Alfie.

It showed very clearly that all actions have consequences, and sometimes on very serious and dramatic proportion. The film contains a very harrowing abortion scene, something that although is not graphic or explicit, had the ability to shock me. The film also ends with neutral end of Peter going to prison over stealing a car, again showing that all actions have consequences, a bitter reality to the Chelsea-born protagonist, Poly.

This film highlights generational divides between the young and their sixties rebellion compared to the classic 50s idealism's and way of thinking from the elders. It shows a clear class divide and how in many ways, someone of a working class background can be just as quick to judge someone of a upper-class background such as Poly. I felt the use of cinemtography showing the demonlising of older buildings and building new blocks of flats was clever to represent the idea of 'out with the old, in with the new'. However, as the film tells the story of, sometimes 'new' isn't always the correct way forward.

I thought the film cleverly portrayed woman, generational and social divide and was a break through by using a female protagonist.

I would happily watch this film again, greatly enjoyed.

Alfie (1966) Film Response

This is my third time of watching the film and found it just as enjoyable. The film famously touches on serious issues and social change within the sixties, which is why it's great to analyze in the swinging sixties era.

After watching and knowing the 2004 film staring Jude Law well, i found it particularly interesting how much the films differ in story and plot, and how that's mainly to do with time period and era. The 2004 remake not only approaches the subject of abortion, but it's main focus is on Alfie and his moral feelings towards adultery, and how that affects his attitude. Whereas the 1966 film focused on social issues, from abortion to the stereotypical chauvinism of men of that time. It's not until the last few minutes of the film where Alfie realizes the mess he really is does the film fully mention him as a person, however his own morals is rarely a factor. Alfie's true feelings are forever obscured by the bigger picture of social change. And that's the most prominent feature of Alfie, and easily the most enjoyable to notice. Not only is the swinging sixties about change and conflict, it's when you compare it to past and current times do you realize the sincerity of Alfie. Emotions were always swept under the carpet and brushed away, because social issues where overriding.

Sensational acting from Michael Caine as always, and also a brilliant role from Vivien Merchant. Great use of front lense, direct speaking to the audience, which Caine masters. Though Alfie's character is ruthless and chauvinistic, It's cleverly suger-coated by his carefree and jokey way of living. Something that seems so natural to Caine, so very clever casting - easily the reason as to why Alfie is so likable.

Really enjoyed it. Great film as always.
8/10