possibly the most powerful, thought-provoking film of all-time

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2000)

In my opinion, A Clockwork Orange is Kubrick's best film, and may be the best film of all time. The opening shot that tracks backward from a close-up of Alex is only rivaled by the opening shot of A Touch of Evil. Kubrick takes the use of color to new heights, constantly using orange and blues (a color scheme he returned to in Eyes Wide Shut). Certain images from the movie are ingrained in my mind--such as the close-up of the handicapped writer's face while he is going insane.
The movie successfully addresses so many issues that are pertinent to society, including the nature of the criminal mind, retribution, and political exploitation. However, I think that the central theme is the role of free will and is exemplified by the argument made by the prison chaplain after Alex has undergone the treatment--Is he really human if he has no free will to make a decision? Kubrick would argue that he is half-human, half-machine, as the title of the movie indicates (Clockwork referring to a machine and orange referring to the organic, living fruit).
Finally, how could you write about this movie and not mention the music--the beautiful works of "Ludwig van" often serving as a wonderful contrast to the violent images on the screen. The music adds to Alex's character so much--how many "droogs" would you expect to listen to Beethoven? A Clockwork Orange succeeds at every level, and it would be impossible to ever analyze it completely.