Watch The Committee

The Committee is a 1968 British film that explores the themes of politics, power, and authority through the lens of a secret society. The film stars Paul Jones as the leader of a group of students who form a committee to challenge the established order in their university. From the beginning, The Committee presents an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, thanks in no small part to the haunting soundtrack provided by Pink Floyd. The group's meetings are held in obscure locations, with ritualistic ceremonies and cryptic speeches that obscure their true motives. As the story progresses, we learn that their goal is to overthrow the existing power structure and implement a new, utopian society.

The film's central conflict arises as the committee increasingly becomes consumed by its own power and its members begin to lose sight of their original ideals. As they start to exert their influence over others, they become increasingly ruthless and paranoid, taking actions that are increasingly extreme and ultimately tragic.

The performances in The Committee are strong across the board, with particular standout performances from Paul Jones as the charismatic leader of the committee and Tom Kempinski as his conflicted right-hand man. The supporting cast is similarly impressive, with Robert Langdon Lloyd standing out as a suspicious and sinister professor whose motivations are never quite clear.

Director Peter Sykes uses inventive, unconventional cinematography to keep the audience off balance and heighten the sense of unease throughout the film. The use of jump cuts, long tracking shots, and distorted camera angles creates a sense of tension and disorientation that is perfectly suited to the film's themes.

But perhaps the most memorable element of The Committee is its soundtrack, which was provided by Pink Floyd. The band's trademark trippy, experimental soundscapes help to create a hypnotic, otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's surreal and unsettling visuals. Whether they're providing an ominous backdrop to a ritualistic ceremony or a psychedelic accompaniment to a wild party, Pink Floyd's music is an unforgettable part of this film's experience.

Overall, The Committee is a fascinating, thought-provoking film that explores complex themes in a unique and unconventional way. Its blend of political commentary, psychological insight, and surreal imagery is sure to linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits have rolled. With strong performances, inventive direction, and an iconic soundtrack, this is a film that is not to be missed by fans of British cinema or experimental cinema more generally.