A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates

In the future, a sadistic gang leader is imprisoned and volunteers for a conduct-aversion experiment, but it doesn’t go as planned.

What the hell is this film actually about? Stanley Kubrick’s sick fantasies brought to life on screen? How this film became so highly rated is beyond comprehension. This is a vile and sick film some viewers apparently see as a masterpiece.

‘A Clockwork Orange’ is about curing a man of his violent nature – by showing him violent images! As a result there’s plenty of violence in this film, mostly of which are completely unnecessary and makes for a very unpleasant viewing experience.

‘A Clockwork Orange’ is filled with sexual images and suggestion of rape. Women are depicted as mere sex objects, and disgraced. There’s hardly a story here. Malcom McDowell stars as Alex, leader of a group of sadists. When apprehended for murder, scientists does experiments on him trying to ‘cure’ him. Violence, violence, and more violence. This film might be regarded by some as art, but I could hardly finish it.

I did find the musical score rather interesting and lively. There are also some beautiful images scattered throughout the film. Unfortunately, it was still a horrible watch for me and I couldn’t be happier when it ended. I also found the performances very theatrical.

‘A Clockwork Orange’ earned $114 million on a budget of $1.3 million! (why, just why??) It received 38 award nominations, including Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Would I watch it again? Ugh, no!!