A Clockwork Orange

This is one of the few films that I've actually read the book as well, which typically doesn't fare well for the film version and this, sadly, is no exception. A Clockwork Orange was said to be "un-adaptable" to film due to the surrealistic nature of some scenes and the amount of violence and suggestive imagery. Like the first film I reviewed, I stress now, DO NOT let children or people with certain sensitivities, see this film. It can be quite offensive or lewd at times. So, without any further ado, here's the actual review for this film. Basically, the rule goes, if Kubrick directs, it's going to be amazing. For a film made in the 1970's, it actually seems quite progressive and perhaps not "modern" but it seems more applicable to recent decades. While Kubrick did not capture literally every important detail from Anthony Burgess' original novel, he managed to adapt it quite well and maintained a very similar atmosphere. Malcolm McDowell stars as Alex DeLarge; a charismatic delinquent who dabbles in a bit of ultra-violence and, oddly, Beethoven. When Alex is caught and jailed, he opts into a program that supposedly "rehabilitates" criminals and their sentence is reduced. However, Alex finds out that this new conditioning has some serious negative effects, both physical and social. McDowell does a great job replicating the character of Alex and his change from heartless monster to timid and despairing young adult. Kubrick's choice of actors was apparently done very carefully as the actors in the film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange seemed very similar to how the characters are portrayed in the novel. While the novel reigns supreme in the areas of plot development and the overall atmosphere, the film version does a more than acceptable job of recreating Burgess' novel. The actual cinematography is very interesting and at times can seem downright odd, mostly due to the surrealism that Kubrick is trying to create. This is a film that, if you truly appreciate the art of film and movie-making, needs to be seen. Once you step past the suggestive imagery, the true positive meaning behind A Clockwork Orange can be seen seeping out.

Bottom Line: Buy It/Rent It

Score: 8/10

Year: 1971
Director: Stanley Kubrick (Full Metal Jacket, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining)
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rating: R