Gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh!

Rating: 9/10 (4 July 2011)

Plot
'A Clockwork Orange' tells the story of Alex, a dangerous and violent young man who enjoys murder, rape and Beethoven. He and his three droogs wreak havoc in future Britain. Eventually Alex is seized and locked up, he volunteers for the 'Ludovico Technique' a new treatment designed to tackle Britain's worrying crime rates, Alex thinks he is cured and can begin a fresh start, however things begin spiralling out of control and we soon learn that Alex is far from 'free'.
Review
Let me start by saying that 'A Clockwork Orange' is, in my opinion, one of Kubrick's finest works. Based on Anthony Burgess' 1962 novel of the same name, 'A Clockwork Orange' is funny, frightening, shocking, wacky and very intelligent. What I found most stunning about 'A Clockwork Orange' was the way in which it creates its own 'future' if you will, the frequent inclusion of classical music and surrealist art will wonder and amaze. Of all the things you would expect a future Britain not to have, Kubrick's masterpiece has them all, a passion for Ludwig Van Beethoven, explicit sexual and surrealist art, weird and wacky coloured hair of females, and a language that takes elements of Russian and cockney slang and combines them to create something unique.
The main theme of the film is morality, it begs the question 'Is it right to use the Ludovico technique to prevent someone committing crime?' Alex is deprived of free will in the film. After he is released from prison and subject to the Ludovico technique he is unable to make choices thus he has no free will. The chaplain condemns the Ludovico technique and says 'He ceases also to be a creature capable of moral choice'. Alex does not commit crime after the Ludovico technique because he is unable to. He does not choose to be a good person, instead he is programmed to be good and has no moral choices. The treatment degrades Alex as a person, this could be seen as only fair because Alex and his droogs degraded many of their victims. Alex, prior to his arrest has much more than the ability of moral choice, he has the ability of free will in society. He often commits crimes that go without any punishment hence the reason his treatment is only 'fair' he possessed moral choices, miss used them therefore he has had them taken away. This is echoed through the minister's words 'we are only concerned with cutting down crime' clearly moral choices are not important in society. Society is unfair on Alex although he dehumanises his victims, he has had control of his life taken away. It is given back as a means for the government to regain popularity presenting unfair society. Furthermore when the minister uses the arrest of Mr Alexander to defend his totalitarian regime he uses a cover up and says it was for Alex' protection. Additionally the immorality of Alex as a character is reflected in society for example sexual house decoration is common in his parents house, in the moloko milk bar and in the cat lady's house therefore Alex may not be seen responsible for his actions but rather society.
Mcdowell's performance is nothing short of amazing, his role as Alex may frighten audiences but as the film progresses you will probably grow a sense of fondness and sympathy for Alex as a character. Mcdowell fits the part perfectly, he has to play a smart, charismatic but equally dangerous character and he does it so well. As soon as I saw that sinister grin on the face of Alex at the beginning of the film, I knew I was about to witness a special lead performance and I was correct. What struck me most about Mcdowell's performance was how he takes on such a difficult role but makes it look so easy, a character (Alex) who goes from ultra violent youth to government guinea pig who we feel sorry for, this is such a transformation and reform in the main character but Mcdowells transition is stunning and for me, and probably many others his performance will live long in the memory as one of the greatest.
The scenes of violence may distress viewers and shock audiences but they are amazingly directed. I mean the the gang fight scene is superb. Billy Boy being called a 'cheap, globby bottle of stinking chip oil' and the brilliantly entertaining action accompanied by dramatic classical music will have you on the end of your seat. Similarly iconic is the chillingly dark scene in which Alex and his droogs commit rape while Alex sings the lyrics of 'Singin in the rain' those two scenes although controversial are undeniably iconic.
Personally I think Alex is one of the most interesting, entertaining and charismatic characters in the history of film, he serves as both antagonist and protagonist and his interests and enjoyments will both shock and blow the mind of many viewers. Alex as both the vulnerable and the deadly will have you in awe, and the name Alex de Large will never be forgotten by anyone who watches 'A Clockwork Orange' and actually has a decent idea about films.
Summary
'A Clockwork Orange' may not be everyones cup of tea, but Mcdowells performance, the character 'Alex', the amazing and clever inclusions and the iconic scenes have made the film what it is today, a masterpiece. Without a doubt one of Kubrick's finest, and my favourite movie to date. Simply marvellous stuff.