The Great Violent Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (1 May 2004)

A Clockwork Orange is by far my favorite Kubrick film. It is dark, violent, futuristic, and bizarre in the greatest way. Malcolm McDowell gives a powerful and gripping performance as Alex DeLarge. The violence may not be for all, the murder, rape and torture is very graphic in this movie. The use of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is great and the use of Singin' in the Rain may get some to think of the song a little differently (It may not be your favorite for that much longer), I loved the song even more. The rehab and scenes at the milk place is great and you never know what Alex is thinking, but do you want to. The color gives it a look of the future and it does a good job. I recall three songs, Beethoven's Ninth with the Ode to Joy, Singin' in the Rain, and the William Tell Overture through the movie. The music is top notch and one of the best choices for music I have ever heard.
Made in 1971, however, it was greatly overshadowed. Movies like Dirty Harry, Fiddler on the Roof, The Last Picture Show and The French Connection. The French Connection won Best Picture, Actor, and Director to name a few. This movie should of won something even though it was probably to bizarre for the Academy. Malcolm McDowell gave the performance of his career and Kubrick is at his finest. AFI #46. 10 out of 10
RECOMMENDED: Paths of Glory (1954), Dr. Stranglove (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Spartacus (1960), and (Maybe even) Singin' in the Rain (1952)