Dense: visually, metaphorically, cinematically

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2008)

One of my all time favorite films, I have watched Clockwork Orange more than a dozen times, and will watch it a dozen more. Every time I watch it I find something new. Every single scene is packed with multiple layers and meaning: watch it just for the lighting, or the sound track, the camera angles, or speed (slow-mo to high). Watch it as purely political fable, science fiction, horror story, comedy, or even love story (between Alex and Beethoven). Watch it for character development. Watch it purely for its art historical view (from the Renaissance through 19th century Romanticism to post modern, modern, pop, and kitsch (Velvet paintings?). Watch it for the costuming. Watch it for its take on architecture even, for chrissakes. Themes range from government control to free will, religious zealotry, Pavlovian conditioning, the welfare state, youth versus old age, political and police state corruption, education, linguistic evolution, penal reform, depression era economics (boarders anyone?), gang psychology, sexuality (rape, homosexuality, menage a trois, voyeurism), and even Biblical interpretation. There are so many cultural references and cross linkages it's mind boggling.
The film is even more amazing when you discover it was made in less than a year, was low budget, and filmed almost entirely on location.
A testament to collaborative genius: Beethoven, Kubrick, Burgess, and Malcolm McDowell. I defy you to find a movie where every single frame can be stopped, analyzed, and discussed on every possible cinematic level.
It's well known that Kubrick would take dozens of takes and solicited comments and recommendations from everyone on the set including the security guys. In this way, he packed the film with so many details and irony that it's nearly impossible to absorb them all in one sitting. It's enlightening to discover that Kubrick was a still photographer before becoming a film maker. Thus, he was used to thinking and blocking out each scene as a static frame rife with meaning before adding time and action for the fourth dimension.
Oh, and did I mention? it's damn good entertainment.
Watch and be warned.