A Clockwork Orange (1971)

What's it going to be then, eh? Well, come closer, and I'll tell you.

Stanley Kubrick adapted Anthony Burgess' novel “A Clockwork Orange” into a cinematic masterpiece. He did so after the tumultuous production of “2001: A Space Odyssey”, and the result is quite shocking to say the least. Words cannot simply describe what this movie is about; you have to see it to believe it. While it may stray from the original source material, and there are one or two minor setbacks, the film is excellent and shocking for the viewing audience. “A Clockwork Orange” is simply one of those films that stand the test of time and provoke controversy over its subject matter.

The plot of the film is about a young hoodlum named Alex (Malcolm McDowell) who goes around the city with his gang beating up people and raping innocent women just for the fun, enjoyment and pleasure of it. Unfortunately, on one night, Alex and his gang break into a house where everything goes wrong and Alex murders the caretaker. It only adds insult to injury as Alex's gang deceives him. He is then put into jail for murder, and after a short time, Alex hears of a hospital that can cure prisoners. So, the government decides to use him as a guinea pig and brainwash Alex about right and wrong. After that, Alex is on his own and tries to be good towards the public while trying to avoid sex and violence.

“A Clockwork Orange” is shocking, groundbreaking and highly influential.

Originally rated X, later re-rated R, towards the general public, this movie was controversial because of its depiction of both sex and violence. Yet there is so much more to that.

The writing is excellent as it sticks very closely to the original source material. The pacing moves at a very good speed and keeps you interested in what goes on. Stanley Kubrick was the perfect choice for directing this movie as the imagery is great and the camera work really fascinating. The cast is absolutely perfect, especially McDowell who delivers an outstanding performance that could have been nominated for an Oscar.

This could also be implied to the humor that is presented in the film. Both obvious and dark, “A Clockwork Orange” takes a sadistic side of life, and makes it funny in the process.

The use of classical music is a staple for Kubrick films, and here, it is exemplified greatly. Wendy Carlos uses synthesized versions of classical music such as 'Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary', and especially Beethoven's 9^th Symphony.

Plus, the use of 'Singin' in the Rain' used in the infamous rape scene has become quite iconic. It's hard not to look away from it.

The sound design and editing in this film is all too glorious. Every quiet moment and every shocking moment uses sound to keep the audience on the edge of their seat.

As for the violent nature of the film, it's still pretty shocking when you see for the first time. After a while, it grows on the viewer and you realize what it's supposed to symbolize. It's supposed to represent how society reacts to the nature of horrible acts that are committed. Also, it was groundbreaking, for the time, to showcase such strong violence on screen. '

There are only a few complaints towards this film.. For starters, “A Clockwork Orange” doesn't have everything from the original novel. But what can you do? Also, some of the acting is a bit over the top, but that's just minor.

And yet, as the film stands, it holds on its own, and is a magnificent piece of work considering that the movie was made for under $2.5 million.

Overall, “A Clockwork Orange” is an amazing film that needs to be seen. It may not please fans of the original book, nor those who are squeamish, but it's good nonetheless. If you haven't seen “A Clockwork Orange” yet, see it now; you will be amazed.