I don't see why so much praise for this film...

Rating: 5/10 (10 July 2008)

I know that movies are a matter of tastes and I respect that, but frankly I can't understand all the praise towards this movie. Its "out of this world" plot? Its peculiar visuals? Its strong contents? Whatever the reason is, one thing is for sure: there seems to be very few people who dislike this. I'm one of them.
I've been trying to watch this movie for a long time, after hearing so many good things about it. Today I finally did.
Well, for one thing, this is a satirical, shocking and disturbing movie. People should know that: it is a violent movie (sometimes, extremely violent) and it has strong sexual contents (even in artistic shapes), as well as nudity. Besides the nudity itself, this movie shows some rape scenes and sexual violence. This is not a pleasant movie to watch, neither comfortable, although it has the power to impress.
Anyway, when this movie initially came out in 1971, it was extremely controversial for being too violent. In fact, it was banned from UK cinemas and nearly caused serious trouble for the director Stanley Kubrick. This movie was hidden for 29 years and only went to the theaters after all that time (after Kubrick's death in 1999). This movie was more than controversial at the time, it was a scandal. A similar situation happened with the 1969 song "Je t'aime... moi non plus" (by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin), although in the case of this song it wasn't for violence, but for sexual references and sounds of orgasms. Its video was forbidden and the song itself too, but later it was accepted (and it is a great song).
For a movie from 1971, its visuals are original, eccentric and futuristic. In fact, it takes place in a futuristic dystopian society (somewhere in England). This is a positive point. And the soundtrack is great, consisting in classical music - mostly by Ludwing Van Beethoven, or simply «Ludwig Van», like the character Alex says. The dialogs are very interesting, especially because many of them are narrated by Alex. This is also a very energetic movie, with a level of energy comparable to "Dog Day Afternoon".
The character Alex is brilliantly portrayed by Malcolm McDowell. He's the movie's main character, a mentally very sick person who loves to rape, kill people and hurt them very badly with the use of extensive violence. Alex and his "droogs" somehow remind me about the musical band Culture Club with their way to dress and looks. Alex, for example, does look a bit like Boy George, doesn't he? At least in the beginning. Alex, however, after "curing" himself, becomes a victim and pays for his own crimes.
The movie has its brilliant things, but it also becomes too long and tiring when Alex begins his "cure". From that part on the movie almost never seems to end. I liked, however, the part when Alex and his "droogs" steal a sports car for a reckless drive into the countryside. That part is crazy and brilliantly done.
This is a very weird and bizarre movie, one that is difficult to "stomach". But for those who can "stomach" it, it will be an extraordinary movie experience. The title is weird too, although it might have something to do with Alex - his instincts, the way he functions is like a clockwork orange.