Kubrick's Vision?

Rating: Null/10 (6 June 2004)

A flawed masterpiece, especially where Kubrick detours from the vision of Anthony Burgess.
Much of the comments about this movie refer to "Kubrick's Vision", unquote. The problem with that perspective is that the best parts of this movie are those that directly translate the novel by Anthony Burgess. The worst parts are those that Kubrick and his designers came up with themselves.

For instance, the original novel was set in a much more Orwellian world of dark staircases, concrete decor and the smell of cabbage. The so-called "vision" of Kubrick and his designers gives us what must have seemed very futuristic then but now appears so very 1971. Look at the decor of the Korova milk bar with it's naked female sculptures dispensing drencrom from the breast. Look at Alex's apartment with its silver and golden walls. Look at his parents in their oh so 1970 clothes. Look at "Home" cottage where Mr. Alexander and his ill fated wife live - looks more like a trendy 1970 flat in Chelsea!
In yet another case of the Emperor's new clothes, "Kubrick's vision" is, ultimately what fails this movie.