Still Frightens After 30 Years

Rating: 9/10 (6 October 2000)

I could write paragraphs about this old favorite. I am 35 and I first saw this about fifteen years ago on cable. What prompted me to see it at all was reading the parody in Mad Magazine called 'A Crockwork Lemon.' I had to see what they were making fun of.
A friend had also been assigned to read the novel by Anthony Burgess for English class. It was this friend who introduced me to Nadsac (sic). This is the 'slanguage' used throughout the story, and was created by the author to punctuate the disturbing ideas we see. This language is supposed to be Russian-based with some other Euro-touches thrown on top. It might be handy to pick up a copy of the paperback if you are watching this for the first time on tape or DVD. Most copies have a glossary in the back so you can look up definitions while the movie is paused.
I've found that most women hate this film. It is too violent and misogynistic for the casual unsuspecting viewer, male or female. But once you start watching it, I recommend seeing it through until the end. The first half hour might be tough to stomach, but hang in there. It turns around quickly (the story, not your stomach).
You can read other comments posted here for the films' plot points. I am merely trying to pique your interest. Please give it a try if you've heard about 'A Clockwork Orange' but never seen it. Rent it for Halloween night, because it's also a bone-chilling experience. More in its prophecy than anything else.
Considering the dearth of horror flicks made since this 1971, this one still frightens more than any Hollywood slasher film because of its possibility to be one mankind's future scenarios. But how far into the future, that's up to the viewer.