lackluster dribble

Rating: 7/10 (15 September 2018)

Perhaps, had the movie drawn down to an epic or even slightly provocative conclusion, i could excuse kubrick's apparent fixation upon graphic violence against women. but the truth is, this movie says nothing of any value. what question does it ask, or attempt to answer? does the humanity and morals of man have to rest solely on his shoulders alone? anybody could ponder that question and come up with a slew of reasonable answers, surely more creative than this. what happens in this movie? a man does bad things that we get to witness in full colour, he goes to jail, he is shown violent films, and then spends the rest of the movie choking and gagging each time (and there are many!) he is provoked in anyway. i just have to ask - who cares? the story drags on only to return to the original standing point with no striking statements having been made. should i be happy that alex has wrestled himself free from the chains of suppression which bound him, and can now freely enjoy the thought and act of rape?
the highlights: some of the art deco and certain characters.
i wonder if the good reviews come solely from those who are thrilled by rape and/or have a poor repetoire of previously watched films. this is no revelation of ideas. boooooring