The Committee

1968 "The mystery film of the 1960's"
6| 0h58m| en| More Info
Released: 31 May 1968 Released
Producted By: Craytic
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Budget: 0
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Official Website: http://www.thecommitteethemovie.com/
Synopsis

The Committee, starring Paul Jones of Manfred Mann fame, is a unique document of Britain in the 1960s. After a very successful run in London’s West End in 1968, viewings of this controversial movie have been few and far between. Stunning black and white camera work by Ian Wilson brings to life this “chilling fable” by Max Steuer, a lecturer (now Reader Emeritus) at the London School of Economics. Avoiding easy answers, The Committee uses a surreal murder to explore the tension and conflict between bureaucracy on one side, and individual freedom on the other. Many films, such as Total Recall, Fahrenheit 451 and Camus’ The Stranger, see the state as ignorant and repressive, and pass over the inevitable weaknesses lying deep in individuals. Drawing on the ideas of R.D. Laing, a psychologically hip state faces an all too human protagonist.

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Reviews

Curapedi I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.
Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible
Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
kmoh-1 A British attempt to do mysterious, unexplained and surreal. Whereas a French equivalent, like, say, Last Year In Marienbad, is aristocratic, eerie, dark and allusive, this is a white collar effort, following a strange bureaucratic process, filmed in clear daylight, with dialogue that, though straightforward on the surface, seems to refer to some reality known to the participants but not the viewer. Unusually for such a film, certain events - including the early beheading - are actually given explanations, undercutting the post-modernism with a very unexperimental model of a character acting in character. Paul Jones, lead singer of Manfred Mann and just beginning a parallel acting career, does surprisingly well, though his part (as "central figure") is a mere cipher. There is of course interest with the Pink Floyd soundtrack, though they hardly stretched themselves. Arthur Brown is very good value, with a lively cameo complete with burning headgear (would never get past health and safety nowadays). Very much of its time, but without the courage of its surreal convictions. The ultra-realistic portrayal of the bizarre events can be hypnotic, but ultimately deprives the film of a real artistic punch. Nevertheless at 58 minutes it hardly outstays its welcome.
ldoig I was totally shocked when walking into Virgin Megastore nonchalantly one day, to discover that this film thought long forgotten, had been actually released. It's something many people no doubt for decades have wished to see. This DVD comes with an excellent interview sequence (as long as the 54 minute film) which does explain things if you get a little bit confused! While admitting, that yes, I knew of this film as a hardcore Pink Floyd fan (whom indeed provide some great musical moments) the film is nonetheless an excellent example of the type of "art" films of the period and is well worth investigating. If your into Kafka, Hesse, The Prisoner, Sixties "pop" Psychology, New-Left Politics, Antonioni (spelt right?), Godard, Bergman etc etc then I do recommend this film. It's perhaps more of a period piece now of course, and the director himself admits flaws, but this is still a thoughtful experience and its sad in a way that it seems so fresh amidst all the more intelligent, commercial films of today. This is especially a point worth noting; when thinking that the film is of its time, and was designed for a receptive, cool, hip audience. Today while claims are made that a film is made commercially but in a more intelligent way for a mass audience it still just seems to say "Well there you go, watch the flashing lights, a few nice things to think about - happy now?" Actually it's interesting that the writer in the interview section cites The Matrix as a comparable example, when discussing the themes of the film.The decapitation scene is quite shocking even by todays standards, especially when the head is sewn back on! Also, while admittedly biased there is an excellent, memorable scene with various individuals walking around an office with a wonderful repetitive piece of music by the Floyd. Certainly not for everyone, but if you're in the know and looking for an experience I would certainly give this film a try. I struggled whether to vote it 7 or 8 out of ten, but then, I'm writing this so it must have made an impression!Enjoy.
Skagbaron Though this one may never fully see the dark of a cinema, I managed to see a copy; and have heard it was shown in a Rock and Roll Film Festival a few years ago on the west coast.**SPOILER** B&W Story takes place in a modish alternate sixties, and involves an aloof and quietly cocky young draftsman/architect (nod to the abdabs?) who inexplicably murders a driver (who while annoying was not deserving) who picks him up while hitch-hiking. Shortly afterwards he is invited to a meeting in the country with other young English men and women. The committee is to meet at some grand country estate and supposedly not uncommon in this world (like a think tank/spa) but he begins to feel that the committee exists to examine him and his deeds. There is some good existentialist and almost classical student mentor discourses between a slightly older mod! moderator and protagonist.Also some party scenes with drinking, mini-skirts, a performance by Arthur Brown with his band and fire breathing. And of course...A couple of minutes of great little Pink Floyd instrumental fills, which are available on bootlegs for the resourceful to find.Keep looking!
matlock-6 The Committee captures the essence of artistic film school movie making. While strange, sometimes confusing, and certainly disturbing, it is nonetheless a brilliant film and one that certainly deserves to be seen more than it is.It appears from time to time at British film retreats and small art movie houses, but is not available on video as it has never been officially released. It is, nevertheless, somewhat of a "white whale" to fans of Pink Floyd (who contributed much original, unreleased material to the soundtrack). There are apparently bootlegs of it floating around, although in miniscule numbers. None have been seen in public.If you ever have the chance to see this, and are a fan of art school films, then The Committee is for you!It should be noted that Pink Floyd also contributed to the soundtrack for "Tonight Lets All Make Love In London", a Peter Whitehead film. (In addition to those mentioned by Phantom Moonhead).