Lindsay Anderson was a British film director, writer, and critic who is best known for his bold and unconventional style of filmmaking.
He was part of the British New Wave movement in the 1960s, which focused on gritty, realistic stories of working-class people. Anderson’s films often tackled themes of social commentary, political satire, and anti-establishment views.
One of his most famous films is “If….” (1968), a surreal and subversive story of a rebellious student at a strict British boarding school, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Anderson also directed the semi-autobiographical “This Sporting Life” (1963), which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
Another notable film by Anderson is “O Lucky Man!” (1973), a sprawling and satirical epic that skewers the capitalist system, featuring a brilliant performance by Malcolm McDowell.
He also directed “Britannia Hospital” (1982), a darkly comic vision of a crumbling healthcare system, and “The Whales of August” (1987), a poignant drama about two elderly sisters played by Bette Davis and Lillian Gish.
Best Lindsay Anderson Films
Anderson’s films are marked by their innovative cinematography, irreverent humor, and bold social commentary.
His works continue to influence filmmakers today and remain important contributions to the British New Wave movement and to the history of world cinema.
1. This Sporting Life (1963)
This Sporting Life” is a British drama film released in 1963. It was directed by Lindsay Anderson and starred Richard Harris, Rachel Roberts, and Alan Badel.
The screenplay was written by David Storey, based on his novel of the same name.
The film tells the story of Frank Machin (Richard Harris), a young and talented rugby league footballer who is signed up by a local team.
As he gains fame and success, he becomes increasingly frustrated by his lower-class background and the limitations it places on him.
He begins a turbulent and abusive relationship with his widowed landlady, Margaret Hammond (Rachel Roberts), who is older and wealthier than him.
The film explores themes of class, masculinity, and the search for identity, as well as the harsh realities of the sport industry.
It received critical acclaim for its raw and honest portrayal of working-class life and its performances, especially Richard Harris’ intense and powerful performance as Machin.
It won the Best British Film award at the 1963 BAFTA Awards and was nominated for several other awards, including two Academy Awards.
“This Sporting Life” is considered a classic of British cinema and is regarded as a significant example of the British New Wave, a movement of social realism films made in the early 1960s.
![This Sporting Life [1963] [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dWqq+4CqL.jpg)
2. The White Bus (1967)
“The White Bus” is a 1967 British film directed by Lindsay Anderson, and written by Shelagh Delaney. The film follows a young woman named Caroline (Patricia Healey) as she embarks on a surreal journey through a bleak industrial landscape in northern England.
Caroline works as a typist in London and feels unfulfilled by her mundane life.
She is sent on a work trip to Bradford, but instead of attending the conference she is supposed to, she finds herself wandering the city’s streets, taking in its sights and meeting its residents.
Caroline is drawn to a group of elderly people on a white bus who seem to be on a tour of the city. She joins them and begins to learn about their lives and experiences.
The film has a dreamlike quality and uses surreal imagery to explore themes of alienation, mortality, and the passage of time.
It features a mix of professional and non-professional actors, and includes documentary-style footage of real people and locations in Bradford.
“The White Bus” is notable for its experimental approach to storytelling and its depiction of working-class life in northern England during the 1960s.
It is part of a trilogy of films directed by Lindsay Anderson that also includes “If….” and “O Lucky Man!”
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3. If…. (1968)
“If…” is a British drama film directed by Lindsay Anderson and released in 1968.
The movie follows the story of Mick Travis, a rebellious student at an English public school, who leads a group of his peers in a violent rebellion against the school’s authoritarian regime.
The film is known for its surreal and symbolic imagery, as well as its satirical commentary on the British class system and the education system.
It stars Malcolm McDowell in his first major role, along with several other young British actors.
“If…” was a critical and commercial success, and it won the Palme d’Or at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival. It has since become a cult classic and is often regarded as one of the most important British films of the 20th century.
![If.... [1968] [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jhDy6boAL.jpg)
4. O Lucky Man! (1973)
“O Lucky Man!” is a British surreal comedy-drama film directed by Lindsay Anderson and released in 1973.
The film stars Malcolm McDowell as Mick Travis, a young and ambitious coffee salesman who sets out on a journey to make his fortune in a strange and surreal world.
The film is a sequel to Anderson’s 1968 film “If….”, which also starred McDowell as Mick Travis. “O Lucky Man!” is a much larger and more ambitious film than its predecessor, both in terms of its scale and its running time, which clocks in at over three hours.
The film is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes, each of which follows Mick Travis as he encounters a variety of strange and colorful characters and situations.
Along the way, he experiences both triumph and tragedy, and learns some hard lessons about the nature of power, wealth, and human nature.
Despite its absurdist and surrealistic elements, “O Lucky Man!” is also a deeply political film, with a sharp critique of capitalism and the corrupting influence of power.
The film’s final scene, in which Mick Travis performs a song called “O Lucky Man!”, is a bitter and ironic commentary on the futility of individual effort in the face of systemic inequality and exploitation.
5. In Celebration (1975)
“In Celebration” is a play written by British playwright David Storey. It was first performed in 1969 and later adapted into a film in 1975.
The play takes place over the course of one day and tells the story of a family gathering to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of its parents.
The play explores themes of family dynamics, memory, and the passage of time.
The story is set in the family’s ancestral home in the north of England. The three grown-up children of the family have all returned home to celebrate their parents’ anniversary.
The eldest son, Andrew, is a successful architect, but he is also struggling with alcoholism and his relationships with his siblings.
The middle son, Colin, is a teacher who is married to a woman his family dislikes. The youngest daughter, Susan, is unmarried and living in London, but she is not happy with her life.
As the family gathers, tensions and conflicts arise. The siblings bicker and argue, old resentments are brought to the surface, and secrets are revealed.
The parents, who are a loving and devoted couple, struggle to keep their family together and their celebrations on track.
Throughout the play, the family members confront their past and present struggles, and must come to terms with the choices they have made in their lives.
“In Celebration” is a powerful and poignant drama that examines the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of growing older.
It has been widely acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics and its exploration of universal themes.
![In Celebration [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51IRUAUYvHL.jpg)
6. Britannia Hospital (1982)
“Britannia Hospital” is a darkly comedic film directed by Lindsay Anderson, which was released in 1982. The film is the third in Anderson’s loose trilogy of films about British society, which includes “If….” (1968) and “O Lucky Man!” (1973).
The story takes place in the fictional Britannia Hospital, a large and outdated medical facility that is in the midst of celebrating its 500th anniversary.
The hospital is a microcosm of British society, with a variety of characters representing different classes, professions and political views.
The film’s plot revolves around the arrival of a mysterious American industrialist, who is coming to visit the hospital to unveil a new scientific breakthrough that will revolutionize healthcare.
However, things quickly go awry as the hospital staff struggles to keep up with the demands of the visit, and protests erupt outside the hospital over the closure of a nearby factory.
While “Britannia Hospital” received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since become a cult classic, and is considered by many to be one of Anderson’s most important films.
Its dark humor and searing critique of British society continue to resonate with audiences today.
7. The Whales of August (1987)
“The Whales of August” is a 1987 American drama film directed by Lindsay Anderson, based on a play by David Berry.
The film stars Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price, and Ann Sothern.
The story is set on the coast of Maine in August and follows the lives of two elderly sisters, Sarah (Lillian Gish) and Libby (Bette Davis), who have lived in their family home for many years.
Sarah is losing her eyesight and feels isolated, while Libby is still lively and independent. They are visited by their old friend Tisha (Ann Sothern) and a retired doctor (Vincent Price), who both bring some new energy and perspective to the sisters’ lives.
“The Whales of August” was notable for featuring two legendary actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Bette Davis and Lillian Gish, in their final film roles.
It was also Lindsay Anderson’s last film before his death. While the film received mixed reviews at the time of its release, it has since gained a cult following and is appreciated for its poignant and meditative portrayal of aging and the passage of time.
![The Whales of August [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51a7vI4KkWL.jpg)
8. Is That All There Is? (1992)
“Is That All There Is?” is a 1992 song by American singer and actress Peggy Lee. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and was first recorded by Peggy Lee in 1969.
The song is a reflection on the disappointments and disillusionments of life, and encourages the listener to find meaning and joy in the present moment, despite the uncertainties of the future.
The song has become one of Peggy Lee’s signature songs and is considered a classic of the Great American Songbook.
Its melancholic lyrics and haunting melody have been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a commentary on the existential angst of the 1960s, and others finding a message of hope in its call to “keep dancing, let’s break out the booze and have a ball.”
In addition to Peggy Lee’s original recording, “Is That All There Is?” has been covered by several other artists, including Bette Midler, Tony Bennett, and Firewater.
The song has also been used in films and TV shows, including Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” and the TV series “Mad Men.”
3 Characteristics of Lindsay Anderson Films
Lindsay Anderson was a British filmmaker who was known for his distinctive style and approach to cinema. Here are three characteristics that are often associated with his films:
Social commentary: Anderson’s films often have a strong social and political commentary, and he was known for his critiques of British society and culture.
He used his films as a means of exploring the contradictions and hypocrisies of the social and political systems of his time.
Realism: Anderson’s films are often characterized by a realistic and gritty style. He had a preference for shooting on location and using non-professional actors, which gave his films a sense of authenticity and immediacy.
Non-linear storytelling: Anderson was also known for his non-linear storytelling style. He often used flashbacks, dream sequences, and other unconventional narrative techniques to convey his themes and ideas.
This approach allowed him to explore the interior lives of his characters and to delve into their psychological states.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Lindsay Anderson Films
Here are three reasons why you should watch Lindsay Anderson films:
Anderson was a masterful and innovative filmmaker: Lindsay Anderson was an influential and acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique vision and style.
He was one of the pioneers of the British New Wave movement in the 1960s and made several groundbreaking films that explored important social issues of the time.
His films often blended humor, satire, and political commentary in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
If you appreciate cinema as an art form and enjoy watching movies that push boundaries and challenge conventions, then Anderson’s films are a must-see.
Anderson’s films provide a fascinating glimpse into post-war British society: Many of Anderson’s films are set in post-war Britain and provide a fascinating insight into the social, cultural, and political changes that were taking place in the country during that time.
His films often deal with issues such as class, education, politics, and youth culture, and present a nuanced and complex view of British society that is both engaging and informative.
Anderson’s films feature exceptional performances from some of the best actors of their time: Lindsay Anderson worked with some of the most talented actors of his generation, including Malcolm McDowell, Richard Harris, and Alan Bates.
His films are notable for their exceptional performances, which are often nuanced, complex, and deeply affecting. If you enjoy watching great acting and are interested in the work of some of the best actors of the 20th century, then Anderson’s films are a must-watch.
Best Lindsay Anderson Films – Wrapping Up
Here are three reasons why you should watch Lindsay Anderson films:
Anderson was a masterful and innovative filmmaker: Lindsay Anderson was an influential and acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique vision and style.
He was one of the pioneers of the British New Wave movement in the 1960s and made several groundbreaking films that explored important social issues of the time.
His films often blended humor, satire, and political commentary in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
If you appreciate cinema as an art form and enjoy watching movies that push boundaries and challenge conventions, then Anderson’s films are a must-see.
Anderson’s films provide a fascinating glimpse into post-war British society: Many of Anderson’s films are set in post-war Britain and provide a fascinating insight into the social, cultural, and political changes that were taking place in the country during that time.
His films often deal with issues such as class, education, politics, and youth culture, and present a nuanced and complex view of British society that is both engaging and informative.
Anderson’s films feature exceptional performances from some of the best actors of their time: Lindsay Anderson worked with some of the most talented actors of his generation, including Malcolm McDowell, Richard Harris, and Alan Bates.
His films are notable for their exceptional performances, which are often nuanced, complex, and deeply affecting. If you enjoy watching great acting and are interested in the work of some of the best actors of the 20th century, then Anderson’s films are a must-watch.
