Product: A Clockwork Orange [VHS] (1972)
Rating: 5.0
"Right, right, right?"
I should mention right off that this movie is either loved or hated by any who see it. There is no middle-ground here. Being one of the former persuasion, I believe that all great art provokes reaction, whether positive or negative. I consider this film to be "Art." Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece of "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess is extremely provocative. There are scenes here without any dialogue that simply scream for your attention, such as lewd graffiti drawn on the wall as a character passes by; or the outrageous costumes that all the bizarre characters wear. Elements like this Stanley Kubrick inserted for extra punch, provoking reaction. As a side note, do not read the novel before watching the film. I saw the movie first, then read the novel, and it really does help to fully understand all the slang Anthony Burgess created solely for the novel. I lent the book to a friend who hadn't seen the film, and to say the least, he had a difficult time digesting the strange material. Even by today's movie standards there are some shocking scenes that would probably garner this film a modern day rating of NC-17. However, this is a brilliant satire, and I highly recommend this film for anyone who despises conventional Hollywood slop. I also highly recommend the novel, for it is equally brilliant. Take it easy.