“Britannia Hospital” is a satirical horror movie about a crumbling British hospital where experiments on humans and animals have gone awry, boiling tensions erupt between striking workers and the hospital’s upper crust, and the arrival of a curious Queen turns deadly. The film is packed with bizarre imagery, over-the-top violence, and biting commentary on Thatcher-era Britain.”
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Review
Britannia Hospital: A Dystopian Masterpiece
Britannia Hospital is a British dystopian film that was directed by the iconic filmmaker, Lindsay Anderson. Released in 1982, it is the third and final film in the “Mick Travis” trilogy, after If…. and O Lucky Man!. The movie has become a cult classic due to its unique storyline, impressive cinematography, and exceptional performances by the cast.
The story revolves around Britannia Hospital; an NHS hospital that is celebrating its grand opening. But as the day progresses, we witness how bureaucratic incompetence, scientific hubris, and social unrest combine to create chaos within the hospital’s walls. The movie is a scathing critique of British society during Thatcher’s era, where social inequality and government corruption were rampant.
The all-star cast includes Leonard Rossiter as hospital administrator Professor Millar, Mark Hamill as a mad scientist Dr. Millar Jr., Malcolm McDowell as Mick Travis (the protagonist in all three films), Joan Plowright as Sister Wingate, Graham Crowden as Professor Burkett, Marsha Hunt as Miss Tinker (a pop star), and numerous other talented actors.
The film opens with a slow-motion montage of protestors outside of Britannia Hospital holding placards that read “No More Blood for Oil,” “Capitalism Kills,” and “Humanity is Obsolete”. This powerful opening sets the tone for what’s to come. Inside Britannia Hospital itself, we see people receiving medical care while surrounded by uninterested nurses and doctors who are more concerned with their own agendas than helping others.
Throughout the movie, Anderson uses symbolism to represent political issues such as class struggle. In one scene, we see a group of aristocrats attending a fancy dinner party where they consume human organs while discussing how they can remain in power. The scene serves as commentary on how the upper class exploits those below them.
Another scene features a character called “the Queen,” (an obvious nod to the British monarch) who visits the hospital. She is portrayed as a brain-dead woman who can only say “Mama” and “Papa.” This scene critiques Britain’s fixation on royalty and how people idolize them despite their lack of intelligence or value.
The dialogue in Britannia Hospital is witty and astute, with memorable quotes such as “death is not the end – it’s the beginning of advertising” and “the great are great because we are on our knees – let us rise!”
The movie also features a haunting score by Alan Price that perfectly captures the chaotic, dystopian atmosphere of the story. The use of sound effects and soundscapes was also expertly done, adding to the immersive experience.
Britannia Hospital was filmed using a mix of techniques such as tracking shots, close-ups, and wide-angle lenses. The cinematography creates an eerie feeling throughout, adding to its dystopian elements. The special effects were impressive for their time, especially during scenes involving experiments in Dr. Millar Jr.’s laboratory.
Critics have praised Anderson for his masterful direction and social commentary in Britannia Hospital. Some have even called it a prophetic film that predicted many issues that still plague modern society decades later. Despite this praise, the movie did not perform well at the box office due to its controversial themes.
In conclusion, Britannia Hospital is a must-see film for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema. Its biting social commentary, exceptional performances, memorable quotes, impressive cinematography, and haunting score make it one of the most unique dystopian films ever made. Although it may not be suitable for everyone’s tastes due to its dark themes and controversial subject matter, those willing to take a chance will find an unforgettable experience awaiting them.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 116
- Release : 1982-05-27
- Genre : Comedy, Drama, Horror, Science Fiction
- Cast : Graham Crowden as Professor Millar, Leonard Rossiter as Vincent Potter, Malcolm McDowell as Mick Travis, Joan Plowright as Phyllis Grimshaw, Mark Hamill as Red: The Media
- Crew : Alan Price as Music, Simon Wakefield as Set Decoration, Norris Spencer as Production Design, Michael Ellis as Editor, Linda DeVetta as Makeup Supervisor
- Popularity 6.213
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : EMI Films
- Summary : Britannia Hospital, an esteemed English institution, is marking its gala anniversary with a visit by the Queen Mother herself. But when investigative reporter Mick Travis arrives to cover the celebration, he finds the hospital under siege by striking workers, ruthless unions, violent demonstrators, racist aristocrats, an African cannibal dictator, and sinister human experiments.
- Tagline : Will they ever recover…?
