An ultra-violent, but riveting Stanley Kubrick classic with a strong societal message

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2016)

Stanley Kubrick has proved himself a highly influential filmmaker in the face of Hollywood, and when it comes to hitting major topics to the silver screen, he does not mess around. Blessing Hollywood with a long series of cinematic gems until his death in the late 90s, Kubrick has succeeded above the surface level when covering big topics such as politics, war, crime, and science-fiction (2001: A Space Odyssey). This early 70s dystopian thriller A Clockwork Orange made an enthralling commentary on violence and juvenile delinquency. The film garnered a fair amount of controversy for its graphic portrayal of violence and sexual mistreatment, initially landing it an X rating. Before too long, gained a major cult status to where it was named one of Stanley Kubrick's best work by many. Set in futuristic Britain, the film follows Alex DeLarge (played by Malcolm Dowell), a sadistic teenager with a love for violence, sex, and classic music by Ludwing Van Beethoven. He is the leader of a sociopathic gang of his friends Dim (played by Warren Clark), Georgie (played by James Marcus), and Pete (played by Michael Tarn) who commit series of vicious crimes around town including beatings and sexual assault. Upon killing a cat lady, his friends abandon him on the scene leading to the authorities to catch him and throw him in prison. During his prison sentence, Alex grows ashamed by his petty ways and volunteers to undergo a psychological treatment that will not only render him "good" but also reduce his prison sentence. Upon being released, Alex tries adjusting to his new life, only to witness his violent past becoming back haunt him.
Stanley Kubrick's unique flair shines clear in this dystopian thriller, from the astounding cinematography, to the dazzling production design, to the magnetic storytelling based on the acclaimed novel by Anthony Burgesa. This movie shows Kubrick at one of his best, if not on the level of '2001: A Space Odyssey'. There is also no doubt however, that this is darkest picture yet, supplementing violent and lurid material that's destined to make even the most desensitized viewers uncomfortable. The film opens with the main character Alex filling the screen with an unsettling smirk to give viewers to clear implication of his dark nature. Associated with this scene is a loud, lurid music score by Walter Carlos to deliver a disorienting feel of what audience should be prepared for. Following the opening scene is the first fourteen minutes of Alex and his gang unleashing their unspeakable on innocent victims. There is a beating, a rape, and the infamous "Singing In The Rain" sequence. Instead of portraying the characters as outright evil however, Kubrick illustrates the characters as teenagers with a very dark sense of humor who know their petty crimes are harmful but simply must be done because a society without crime not normal, according to them. Though these scenes aren't pretty to watch, they are gifted by a decent cinematography by John Alcott who's a Stanley Kubrick veteran since his first collaboration in '2001'.
Over the decades, Alex DeLarge has grown to be a highly memorable figure and this all thanks to not only Stanley Kubrick's captivating script but Malcolm Dowell's genuine performance. Dowell shows off a grueling and highly realistic vibe as the main character, the fact that Dowell walked away with no even an Oscar nomination remains quite a mystery. If his dark portrayal doesn't give chills down your spines, I don't know what will. Arguably the strongest aspect of the picture though, comes from the plot development. Tackling on themes of juvenile delinquency and crime against society, the plot endures stringent commentary on the impacts of violence. By no means, it does little to hold back. From beginning to end, the film journeys through the main character's sadism and follows through the consequences that he endures when he attempts to rehabilitate himself from his sadistic demeanor. To that point, the film grants some twists and surprises to channel an unpredictable (and deeply disturbing) tale. The film could have taken a more happy route by chroniclizing Alex readjusting to his home life and teaching his fellow others his new, wholesome ways, but then it would result in a plot much less meaningful and no surprises.
A Clockwork Orange is a ultra-violent, but riveting Stanley Kubrick picture that serves a definition of the filmmaker that makes Kubrick the smart, influential director he turned out to be. As being one of his most acclaimed films, this movie is worth watching for film buffs but the dark, violent, and disturbing content that pervades the picture is enough to warrant only a single viewing and likely discourage viewers from enduring a second viewing. This film is recommended but not for the faint of heart or anyone under the age of seventeen.