Sociologist's nightmare, film-buff's dream.

Rating: 10/10 (5 April 2000)

I must admit that I am not Stanley Kubrick's greatest fan - I found Eyes Wide Shut disappointing and 2001 just plain dull. However, I went to see A Clockwork Orange not only on account of the hype but also as I had read the book several years previously and I wanted to see if the film version lived up to the literary classic. I discovered, not to my surprise, that it is affected by 'The Exorcist' syndrome. Kubrick managed to create something totally different to its source material, yet with a charm of its very own.
Obviously, from the very outset, a very seventies film, this was unlike anything I have experienced at the cinema before. This film disturbs at almost every conceivable level - rape, murder, brainwashing and "ultra-violence" are all breezed over during this films run time. And does the film stop to moralise? It barely takes a breath, leaving ethics up to the audience's discussions on their way home. You leave the cinema wondering who - if anybody - you should feel sorry for. Everyone in the film, from Alex (Malcolm McDowell) to Dim (a very early performance from Warren Clarke) and from Mr. Deltoid (Aubrey Morris) to Mrs. DeLarge (Sheila Raynor) displays inhuman characteristics.
There seems to be some confusion as to whether this film is really about Alex and his violent nature, reflecting the darker side of human nature, or society having no qualms about using a victim to their own ends. Perhaps it was too many people believing the former which led to its retraction in Britain for more than 20 years. Either way, the dark undertones, superb soundtrack and excellent acting make this film a must-see for any self-respecting film fan. Kubrick-lover or not.