Artistic, powerful, intriguing, gripping main performance and an increasingly relevant message

Rating: 9/10 (10 April 2009)

Kubrick is so immensely clever when it comes to film-making isn't he? A Clockwork Orange pours out his talent as a director. He is well known for his perfectionism and this, combined with his shining vision for films has contributed to a masterful stroke in thought-provoking cinema.
Most of you know the plot so I went spend a lot of time slaving over it. It's futuristic Britain, law and order has almost vanished and different gangs of thugs roam the country wreaking havoc wherever they go. The film begins by focusing on one of these gangs, which is led by the films central character, Alex DeLarge (played by the awesome Malcolm McDowell). He and his fellow "Droogs" (russian for 'Buddies') roam their town causing all kinds of chaos: beating the elderly, robbing their victims, breaking into houses and raping women. All these activities playing a part in their pleasure of indulging in a bit of the old "ultra-violence". However, a mutiny arises within the group and Alex is left stranded by his Droogs during a house robbery which has left a women dead. The police arrive as Alex is recovering from a bottle smash to the face. Whilst in prison, he longs for freedom and his opportunity comes when a new method is introduced. The newly elected government wants to crack down on crime and by trying to do this, they conjure a method which involves transforming current convicts into law-abiding, good citizens. Sounds good? it may do but the description is only scratching the surface as we are taken into a dark world of state control and brain-washing techniques.
The debate raised within the film in terms of criminals being brain-washing tests the minds of the audience. They are criminals, murderers after all, as in the case of Alex. However, during the scenes of the experiments, you can't help but feel it still isn't right. Depending on your stance towards reform, the images on screen pluck all sorts of feelings from within you. The message of state control over individuals is resounding. The film is 30 odd years ahead of its time and I believe this to be a testament to the poignancy of the film and also the cleverness of the author of the book, Anthony Burgess. The scenes of "ultra-violence" are also becoming more and more common in modern life. The scenes are so disturbing, not because of the brute force but because of the sheer pleasure the characters are taking out of the rape and violence as they destroy lives ("I'm singing' in the rain!"). The lack of a soul, remorse or any human feeling. The performances from all the actors are of near perfection to the vision of Kubrick and the state of Britain which the film is trying to portray. Its future Britain and I think the lack of a blockbuster budget has greatly benefited the film. Instead of building extravagant futuristic sets as seen in Bladerunner and Back to the Future II, the film uses the oddly designed concrete gems from 1960's Britian (notice the sarcasm). This approach not only greatly adds to the realism of the film but also the overall bleakness and reality. The film is also artistically ground-breaking. From the glorious set-designs and costumes, to the use of beautiful classical music being played over the top of images of violence and rape. This juxtaposition works fantastically well, stirring the emotions and thoughts inside us at a constant rate. The language used in the film is not only amusing but also strangely effecting. It's nonsensical language but we still understand every word. It's twisted and subversive and it has a profound effect on the audience. The use of music is also of artistic excellence with a superb blend of electronic noises to Beethovens beauty. The camera work is, at times, breath-taking. The intense angles, slow pans and editing techniques all contribute to the films art. I still adore the opening shot in which Alex and his fellow Droogies are in the milk bar, the zoom out being perfectly executed whilst being accompanied to the futuristic music and surrounded by set- design which is different and mind-dazzlingly brilliant. Jonathon Ross (not known for being the best film critic admittedly) described the film as "mind-searingly brilliant" and I couldn't agree more...
Not only is the film superb, we also have one of the best acting performances seen in British film, and arguably of all film. Malcom McDowell throws everything into his portrayal of the devilish Alex DeLarge. Alex is wrong, twisted and darkly close to being the true devil. However McDowell manages to somehow draw in feelings of sorrow towards him as he goes through the torment of experimentation and its aftermath. As an actor, he had to go through a hell of a lot. Being stuck in a straight-jacket whilst having his eye-lids locked which had to be constantly moistened by water eye drops (resulting in his eye being scratched and temporarily blinded), being held under water for what seemed an eternity, raping a women whilst seemingly being overjoyed and singing his heart out and other moments where his acting credentials were being harshly tested. He passed every single one and pulled off a magnificent performance, shaping the intriguing character that is Alex.
A film of artistic brilliance, poignant messages on anarchy and crime soaring, state control over individuals and of the human soul, the film holds so many qualities that it really does boggle the mind. It's too much to take in on one viewing and after each one, you realise just how powerful, relevant and bewildering that A Clockwork Orange really is, coming from a film-maker whose vision is always played out on screen to near perfection, the sign of a truly great director whose come out on top with this legendary film.