As I Grow Old, Part 4

Rating: 8/10 (18 June 2011)

I first viewed this as a college freshman. Folks Stateside may recall that upon premiere it had received an "X" rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. My classmates' response was along the lines of, "Not only did we read the book, it was assigned reading!" And though I suffered my share of shock and awe in my first viewing the impression that resonated long after was the occasional sound of the audience laughing...LOUDLY.
Fast forward two score years...it's not grown easier to "viddy". The acting in most places is over-the-top, likely on purpose, and though the net effect is somewhat laden in the irony department...well, so's the source novel by Anthony Burgess...and some scenes still place me on the very edge of changing the channel.
Its direction still sears and is ably supported by the production design and camera-work. Not only does Stanley Kubrick know his Ninth, he also knows his Rossini. Try to find (now) Wendy Carlos' complete electronic score.
Kubrick's screenplay adaptation indisputably has Something To Say, and as long as that's not said in Nadsat minces no words. Don't like the ending? Read the final chapter in the novel's later edition. I look forward to someday reading and comparing Burgess' screenplay adaptation.
But it took me nearly as long to connect Alex's lead close-up with his final one. Beyond brilliant.
Kubrick made me view films I wouldn't have otherwise gone anywhere near. It's not his best but if you're new to his body of work I guarantee you will remember it first. He probably would've liked that very much.