Product: A Clockwork Orange [VHS] (1972)
Rating: 5.0
A Classic about the definition of Morality
In a time where there seem to be only two themes in the filmic art form, namely "Be Yourself" and "It'll Be Okay As Long As We're Together," watching "A Clockwork Orange" acts as a breath of fresh air. The fact that the air tastes rancid is a testament to the quality of what is perhaps Stanley Kubrick's greatest film. In a slightly retro near-future, a violent, sexual criminal played by Malcom McDowell (in a career defining performance) is subjected to a rehabilitation treatment which causes him great physical pain whenever he feels tempted to act in an anti-social manner. While this does keep him from committing any more crimes, it also makes him physically ill whenever he hears the music of Ludwig Von Beethoven, obviously symbolizing the potential failings of censorship. And while he cannot act on his desires, he still wants to, which forces the audience to question if morality isn't defined by one's actions, but by one's nature. All in all, one of the most mature films in history, both visually and thematically. It is not, however, a "fun" film. (One critic once stated that to rent it for a casual Saturday viewing would kill your whole weekend.) And is almost completely unsuitable for all but the most mature, OLDER children. It should be considered required viewing for everyone else.