Great on Surface and Underneath

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2003)

In one of movie history's greatest translations from book to the screen, Stanley Kubrick and leading man Malcolm MacDougal (Alex) tell the story of a young adult living in an England of the future. What unfolds is the young man's story, how he and his droogs (best buds) personify unchecked male adolescent testosterone - picking fights, doin' a bit of the old "in-out in-out" with any girl they lay their glazzies (eyes) on, and so on. While on the surface we learn of Alex as a boy who is a terrible human, we also get to understand him. When he is convicted of a crime, he finds the quickest way out of the prison block - an experimental technique known as the Ludwigo project. When this less-than innocent boy is brainwashed by the governemnt, he is left numb of all his previous pleasures. While this makes him law abiding enough, it questions natural rights and society's place in humanity. The part of the priest and the politician fit in well here. The entire story itsely is captivating, but its deeper meaning of society, life and right vs. wrong is terribly intriguing. Kubrick's stunning display of driector's brilliance is amazing. While the novel, by Anthony Burgess, sheds light a bit clearer on what the story tries to talk about, Kubrick's sheer genius presents his audience with an artistic and unforgettable interpretation of this literary master piece. 10 out of 10 and top 25 movies of all time (really and truly)