To grasp where this film is coming from I guess you'd have to read the short story by Max Steuer (originally a dream) on which it is based. It plays as a bargain basement melange of Robbe-Grillet and Kafka, with the attention immediately grabbed by the arresting title sequence juggling mug-shots of the three main protagonists to a sinister blurping accompaniment on the soundtrack; but which is soon allowed to dissipate by what follows. For a film that begins with the central figure decapitating a total stranger on a whim, 'The Committee' is an incongruously well-mannered, very British affair - albeit with hip sixties trimmings in the form of a soundtrack by Pink Floyd and a personal appearance by Arthur Brown.Ian Wilson's cool black & white photography is presumably intended to evoke 'L'Année Dernière à Marienbad', and as in 'Marienbad' there's a lot of talk but very little actually said. The plush backdrop is here provided by the London School of Economics, where Steuer - author of 'The Scientific Study of Society' (2003) has been ensconced in the philosophy department since 1959, and was at the time of the making of 'The Committee' a lecturer in economics and social sciences. The endless gnomic prattle may be a joke at the expense of his colleagues there.

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.

**warning: spoilers contained herein *** THE COMMITTEE has many fine moments from its cool opening title sequence, Pink Floyd score, to its philosophical ending. It all starts with a hitchhiker, played by Paul Jones, cutting off his driver's head and sewing it back on. He does this for a lark. Initially there are no consequences for this act, as the driver drives on as if nothing unusual has happened. However, a committee is soon formed to decide what the punishment for Jones should be. Jones is sent on holiday from work to attend the committee. No one in Jones' circle seems to know why they are sent there, until Jones starts putting two and two together. He then becomes somewhat paranoid that the committee is out to get him. Great story, silly as it is. Monty Python could have had a field day with a premise such as this. This could have also been suspenseful, but it's not. It's all told in a very laid back manner with typically dry British humor. There is much witty dialog sprinkled throughout the film. The best moment of all has to be the performance by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. A.B. was the Marilyn Manson of his day. So, if you are in the right frame of mind, are a Pink Floyd or Paul Jones fan, or just dig 60's nostalgia, THE COMMITTEE is well worth seeing.

Wow! It is doubtful that many people will get a chance to see this wonderful film, which is a shame. Lush, brief, darkly funny and psychedelic, this film ruminates about the existential nature of being, albeit in a meandering late 60's kinda way. Nice to not be led around by the hand, narratively speaking.... Paul Jones (Manfred Mann) is great, and there is an amazing cameo by Arthur Brown (the Crazy World of), and, of course, the soundtrack by The Pink Floyd - I think I may have glimpsed Roger Waters in the party scene, too.