Violence - The original human plague

Rating: Null/10 (8 October 2004)

Today's news reports deliver us images of senseless violence each day. School shootings, child abductions, wars in various parts of the world, evil inflicted on innocent fellow human beings. We have long grown accustomed to this aspect of life, no longer shocked or even surprised at what goes on even in our own neighborhoods. "A Clockwork Orange", although extreme in its depiction of terror, is actually not that far from the mark of realism. Made in 1971, this was considered a very brutal film for its time. In 2002, I still wonder why this movie is only rated "R". It contains a lot of scenes of rape, nudity, graphic violence, and other mayhem that I believe caused it to be banned in several countries. But it has also won praise from many critics and is considered to be a cult classic.
Set in near-future England, this film tells the story of Alex. On the surface, Alex (played by twenty-something Malcolm McDowell) is a typical teenage boy who engages in meaningless conversations with his parents, puts on a good show in front his counselor... and does other things to keep up appearances. However, Alex is a gang member who indulges in every sort of impulsive criminal activity possible while listening to Beethoven to psyche himself up.
One night, Alex and his gang break into a lady's house. The rest of the gang is outside while Alex struggles with the lady until he eventually kills her. After Alex leaves the house, his gang turns on him and leaves him to fend for himself until the police arrive.
Alex is sent to prison. After a while, Alex wants to reform. He has a chance when a new behavioral experiment called the "Ludovico" treatment is in need of guinea pigs. Alex volunteers. The experiment is a brainwashing method that causes Alex to be sickened by any form of sex or violence. It even causes him to be sickened by Beethoven's music.
After Alex is released from prison, several things happen. His family disowns him, his former friends are now police officers that assault him, and the experiment has other side effects than just eliminating his urges. He is no longer able to defend himself when attacked as well.
This is not an easy movie to watch with the numerous physically and emotionally violent scenes, but it does make you ask yourself a few things. Is society justified in destroying a predator by creating a victim? Or who needs reform the most: the criminals or the society that continues to punish them after their legitimate sentences have been served? The film is not one that offers any quick or easy answers, yet it shows a perspective of societal problems that is equally timely for 1971 or 2002.
Clearly not for "mixed audiences", this film demands an open mind as well as a worldy view. To look inside of the warped mind of a recreational violent bully and search for the "human" hidden somewhere requires much forgiveness and a sense of wanting to help rather than seek revenge. An important film, indeed. Sadly, extremely violent and disturbing scenes make this film unsuitable for teens up to age 15 or 16. At a mature age, this film shold be viewed by everyone as a "Scared Straight" lesson about the role of violence in modern society.