A CLOCKWORK ORANGE - REVIEW ( Warning:SPOILERS )

Once in a while the world witnesses a movie that takes cinema to a level that it deserves, a movie that does not fall under the realm of conventional film-making. A Clockwork Orange is one of those rare creations which I would say invented a new genre in cinema. Produced and Directed by Stanley Kubrick, one of the most controversial and influential filmmakers of cinema history, the movie was adapted from the dystopian novel of the same name authored by Anthony Burgess.






A Clockwork Orange tells the bitter sweetly ironic tale of sociopath Alex DeLarge (Malcolm MacDowell) who lives for two things: Beethoven's 9th and what he calls "the old ultra violence". The film is set in an unspecified English city sometime in the near future when crime rates are soaring and prisons are suffering from congestion. Alex DeLarge is the leader of a gang of young ‘droogs’, who wreak havoc and perpetrate violence wherever they go. Their average day comprises of beating up helpless drunks, breaking into houses and raping the women there and bandying with the rival gang. During one of their ordeals they gain entry into the house of Mr. Alexander, a writer, and violently rape his wife while Alex sings “Singin’ in the rain” all the while. But soon fissures develop in the group when two of the group members question Alex’s authority. Alex attacks them in order to establish his leadership. That night they enter the home of a woman who runs a health farm and lives alone with her cats.  Alex bludgeons her with a statue and tries to flee when one of his own gang members he assaulted smashes a milk bottle across his face, leaving him to be arrested by the police.


Alex is tried, convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. In prison, Alex earns the trust of the chaplain and takes a keen interest in the bible, primarily in the more violent characters. He comes to know about the Ludovico technique, an experimental Aversion therapy for rehabilitating criminals and eagerly volunteers when the Minister of the interior arrives at the prison. At the facility he is forced to watch extremely violent films of rape and torture while under the influence of drugs that induce negative reactions to them. One of the films runs with the soundtrack of Beethoven’s ninth symphony.  This results in revulsion for the symphony as well in spite of Alex’s efforts to avoid it. After the treatment is finished it is demonstrated to the audience. Alex does not respond to any epithets thrown to him by an actor and is enveloped by a feeling of fear and sickness when presented with a young naked woman. He is then declared cured and released.


Alex goes to his parents’ home where he finds out that they have rented his room to a lodger, leaving him on his own. A vagrant, whom he had attacked previously sees him on the road and calls on his friends and attacks him. Two policemen break up the fight and Alex realizes to his shock that they are his former gang members. They drag him to the countryside and brutally assault him. Alex, injured and bleeding, stumbles to the home of Mr. Alexander, a victim of his past who does not recognize him. He tends to his wounds and is quite familiar with the effects of the Ludovico technique. But his sympathy is short lived as memory of the assault comes back to Mr. Alexander when he hears Alex singing “Singin’ in the rain”. The Movie further progresses to an extremely effective and haunting climax.


A Clockwork orange is not an easy movie to watch or digest. Believe it or not, the sex and violence are easier to digest than the sharp satire that Kubrick so accurately depicts to us by addressing the dehumanization of people. The movie reminds you of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, which is another futuristic political satire. Though the satire is not as trenchant as Kubrick’s classic Dr. Strangelove, it affects us deeply. This is easily the greatest performance in his career by Malcolm McDowell. Charming, sympathetic and despicable, he immortalizes the character of Alex DeLarge. Kubrick makes us think about the sacrifices we are ready to make for our own security. The colorful and lurid set designs by John Barry, Milena Canonero’s costumes (how can one forget Malcolm McDowells fake eye lashes!), mesmerizing score by Wendy Carlos and flawless cinematography by John Alcott makes this movie a treat in every sense. A Clockwork Orange is the first movie to use the Dolby Sound system. It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best film editing and Best Adapted Screenplay in the 1972 Academy awards.


The movie conveys a very relevant and disturbing message. A message not everyone will be comfortable hearing. It is not made to please the crowd or offer a soothing and comfortable experience to average movie goers but demands thought and attention. Multiple views are required to understand the depth and brilliance of this landmark movie. The slap of truth hurts you long after the credits roll up. A cinematic treat from one of the most highly acclaimed and original directors in cinema history. Do yourself a favor, watch it!