Review: Clockwork Orange
Rich Galuzska
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Lifestyles
A Clockwork Orange (1971), directed by Stanley Kubrick, is based on the 1962 novel by Anthony Burgess of the same name. The film is based on Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) and his three droogs Pete, Georgie and Dim and is set in future England in 1995. Several scenes of ultra-violence demonstrate them committing a rape, beating up a homeless man and brawling with a rival gang. Alex is eventually arrested and convicted of the crimes.
In prison, Alex agrees to participate in an experimental program, which will eliminate all of the motifs he has lived his life based upon. The psychological program makes Alex detest violence and rids him of his desire to rape, be sexually aggressive and use slang, all while watching these things take place in a movie in which his favorite composer, Beethoven, is played in the background. The movie displays violent images throughout its duration. Alex is released on good behavior for participating in the program, but his ordeals are far from over, as he is back in what he feels should be a normal society.
The movie is based around the principles of psychiatry, youth and gangs and a dystopian society. The film suggests many themes, such as order in society versus freedom of choice, life and art, and human nature good versus evil. Alex is violent and evil but at this point he is free and human. The program, called the Ludovico Technique, eliminates all the evil in his personality and makes him less of a threat to society, but also suggests he is now less human. He is forced to be good, which eliminates his choices as a human being and member of society.
Embedded in this film are themes and symbols, which make the movie as special as it is. I strongly encourage everyone to watch. Stylisticallly, direction and writing does not get any better than Stanley Kubrick, and the film's language is incredible. A Clockwork Orange offers everything to make a great film, which is why it is in the top 50 films of all time.
In prison, Alex agrees to participate in an experimental program, which will eliminate all of the motifs he has lived his life based upon. The psychological program makes Alex detest violence and rids him of his desire to rape, be sexually aggressive and use slang, all while watching these things take place in a movie in which his favorite composer, Beethoven, is played in the background. The movie displays violent images throughout its duration. Alex is released on good behavior for participating in the program, but his ordeals are far from over, as he is back in what he feels should be a normal society.
The movie is based around the principles of psychiatry, youth and gangs and a dystopian society. The film suggests many themes, such as order in society versus freedom of choice, life and art, and human nature good versus evil. Alex is violent and evil but at this point he is free and human. The program, called the Ludovico Technique, eliminates all the evil in his personality and makes him less of a threat to society, but also suggests he is now less human. He is forced to be good, which eliminates his choices as a human being and member of society.
Embedded in this film are themes and symbols, which make the movie as special as it is. I strongly encourage everyone to watch. Stylisticallly, direction and writing does not get any better than Stanley Kubrick, and the film's language is incredible. A Clockwork Orange offers everything to make a great film, which is why it is in the top 50 films of all time.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Morgan
posted 5/15/09 @ 2:47 PM EST
Why exactly is there a review of a movie that came out in 1971 when both dance and theatre had shows, (Sankofa and The Cover of Life). Great job to The Stylus once again. (Continued…)
Patrick Stella (class of 1991)
posted 6/30/09 @ 3:20 PM EST
As an alum of SUNY Brockport and a a former editor at The Stylus, I can tell you that the college paper is a wonderful place for future writers to gain experience and take the opportunity to write many different types of stories. (Continued…)
Jeff
posted 9/10/09 @ 12:13 PM EST
I have to agree with the first person. I like reading the stylus reviews, but this has absolutely no relevance now. It isn't even a tribute type article, just a guess-what-I'm-smart-because-I've-heard-of-this-and-you-probably-haven't article. (Continued…)
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