Karma=Commupence????

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2007)

Malcolm McDowell plays the optimum role in the film. His cruel intent eyes. and his hook smile, bring upon a vindictive character that all will fear. Although the cool, controlled motions of his character bring about an icon that most men would like to experience once in a lifetime, his leadership ways are so sincere. He is both feared and revered. He is an ugly Churchill. Taking into account the other end of the spectrum, women find him dominating, yet attractive and at the same time very repulsive. He is both feared and loathed. He is an ugly Bruce Willis.
The film also highlights the idea that abiding by the law and conforming to religion, is the correct way that people should live. Being filmed in 1971, religions that were of the minority at the time, were not taken into account and were dismissed entirely. Yet who is to decide that this is right? There is that edge that Christianity is the only root.
Throughout the film Beethoven's 'ninth symphony' can be interpreted in a rainbow of ways. There is the fear of being unable to predict what is around the corner, but it also has that definitive feel of defiance and dominance. It is so consistent throughout the film, it creates an equilibrium level. Furthermore the use of William Tell brings an accelerated pulse to the consented sexual notions in the film.
The use of Russian language and the combined idiolect of the characters bring about some amount of social understanding and status hierarchy. The understanding however, is shot right back down when the filmography is taken into account. Stanley Kubrick uses wide shots on a technicolour camera then extreme close ups on the characters, whereby the appearance means nothing and their facial expressions and eyes show their emotions.
Guilt is a key theme that runs throughout the film, recognised fully at the end, unfortunately however sometimes not recognised at all. None of the characters feel guilt, it is in actual fact the audience that feel it. It is the pressures that the Government put people under to bring a shortcut to legislation and the revival of criminals. One thing that the audience should not feel guilty about however, is thoroughly enjoying the film, as it is a work of art in its own right.
And lets face it, Karma is a key concept, and if believed we should all treat our friends better and take into account how much they are worth....BKWF