One of the most demented and fiendishly brilliant films ever made

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2015)

Stanley Kubrick, the perfectionist genius who no director will ever be able to copy, has made many great films. But nothing is quite as great as A Clockwork Orange. A sociopathic delinquent is put in prison and given controversial rehabilitation, which soon impacts negatively on his life. With themes and social commentary in every frame, ACO is a very deep and thought provoking movie. It's one of the most controversial films of all time. This is where the film shows its age, as some of its content seems slightly tame compared to modern cinema. However, ACO is a harrowing, terrifying and deliriously brilliant movie which is more gut wrenchingly frightening than any theme park attraction; not because of the violence, but because of the haunting themes and chilling relevance over 40 years after its release. It's not the easiest watch, but you will not be able to get it out of your head. From the opening shot, in which an excellent Malcolm McDowall gives you the Kubrick glare, you'll be utterly hooked.
Stanley Kubrick is at the absolute top of his form with ACO. Amazing cinematography, intelligent production design and a chilling, nightmarish atmosphere make this a complete knockout on the visual front. The writing is superb, and this mixes ultra violence and pitch black humour brilliantly, and the unflinching emotional power and haunting sense of tragedy further enhances the film. ACO is emotionally cold and very dark, so some viewers will not enjoy it. It may take more than one viewing to get it. The film has an authentic atmosphere but combines it with disturbing surrealism and the brilliant cinematography makes the film genuinely terrifying at times. While no easy ride, ACO is also a relevant, powerful and fascinating film which perhaps isn't enjoyable in the traditional sense but which will have you riveted and amazed at the sheer genius of the work. Stanley Kubrick's most controversial film but also his best, this makes 2001 A Space Odyssey look insignificant in comparison.
10/10