Surprised by how savage the film is. [possible spoiler]

[spoiler]
When I became aware (during the early-1960s) of the “angry young men” period I picked up the impression that this movement expressed the anger of idealistic young Britishers who were against the established ways of Britain; these authors were anti-class, antipathetic to rigid elitist social strictures, and championed ideals that were vigorous and admirable.
Thus, while watching this film again in 2013 I find I am shocked by just how savage is the portrayal of this quest for upward mobility. Sure Joe Lampton has talents and energy that he knows society would do wrong to pass over and ignore – but along the way his journey leads to such corrosive results for so many people. No wonder his aunt is shown crying at his high-society wedding. We can admire Joe’s kicking at the traces that are seeking to bind him rigidly and to keep him down, but at the end of the film one has a realization of just how awful and very bitter is the process and the result.
[spoiler]