Beethoven, black humour, sex, violence, they don't make 'em like this anymore! A movie milestone that still packs a punch.

Rating: Null/10 (20 February 2003)

Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' is one movie that is talked about more than it is watched, especially in Britain where it was banned for many years. One of the most notorious and controversial movies of the 1970s (a decade which also gave us such notorious and controversial movies as 'Taxi Driver', 'Salo', 'Straw Dogs', 'Last Tango In Paris', 'In The Realm Of The Senses' and 'Last House On The Left') it still packs a punch today. Don't just watch it because of its reputation. watch it because its a damn good movie. Kubrick was on top of his form here, and in my mind it ranks with 'Dr Strangelove' and 'The Killing' as his most successful work. Purists may whine about the changes to Anthony Burgess novel, which is indisputably a modern classic, but I think Kubrick's adaptation is as good as can be expected for the era in which it was made and the constraints of cinema (even now). Malcolm McDowell is superb as Alex, a brilliant performance which he will always be remembered by. In some scenes I was reminded of his Mick from Lindsay Anderson's 'If..'. While the two movies have no real connection it's interesting to compare McDowell's performances. The rest of the cast are also very good, especially Alex's droogs (actors largely unknown outside Britain), and cult favourite Patrick Magee ('Masque Of The Red Death') in a pivotal supporting role. I also got a kick out of Aubrey Morris' Deltoid. Morris is an interesting character most familiar to me for appearing in 'The Wicker Man' and trash classic 'Lifeforce'. 'A Clockwork Orange is a movie milestone that is as great now as it ever was. I have watched in many times and it never fails to deliver. One of the very best movies of the 1970s, which means it is one of the very best movies ever made. Highly recommended viewing.