A lot of Burgess

Rating: 10/10 (22 February 2003)

A Clockwork Orange is probably the most merciless story about society, the most convincing of critical statements ever made. We awe it first to Anthony Burgess, then to Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick, while treating Burgess's text respectfully, made the very best out of the wonderful plot. He managed to bring it across visually with almost more wit and creativity than any reader of the book can imagine for himself. He crowds his stylish futuristic world with an excellent leading actor and with an uncountable number of (stereo)types that are so funny and so funnily played that the movie is not depressing despite its disturbing topic. When during the end credits the song `Singin' in the Rain' rings out, I will sing along jollily, despite what the song stands for in the movie. Generally, the music, virtuously conducted, is an important element in the film and  again  a brilliant one. And the production design! The Korova Milkbar alone is a masterpiece.
A Clockwork Orange is Kubrick's most original film  although it does not have an original screenplay.