Cerebral and visceral (Clockwork Orange (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Clockwork Orange (DVD)
Date:	10/09/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Performances and direction

Disadvantages: A bit overlong

note: also appears on Flixster. Thanks!

A Clockwork Orange is based on the controversial 1950s novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess, and was brought up vibrant life by veteran filmmaker Stanley Kubrick in 1971. However, not long after its cinematic release, Kubrick removed it from theatres (contrary to the popular belief that it was banned by the BBFC), and it was only released on home video after his death in 1999. Highly controversial for its depiction of graphic sex and violence, it was nevertheless a critical success and has also firmly established itself as a cult classic.

The film revolves around Alexander DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell), a young man who, along with his other gang members, known as the Droogs, is terrorising his local British town with a torrent of murder and mayhem. However, he soon enough lands in trouble as the authorities become ever more desperate to reduce crime in the area. Here, he learns about the Ludovicio technique, an experimental treatment which attempts to link acts of violence with nausea in the criminal's brain. He submits himself to this, opening up a wild can of worms like he would never have expected.

The film is a favourite of Psychology teachers to show to their students, as a disturbing example of government-sponsored conditioning. It's also a delightfully dark look at an Orwellian-style dystopia that instead of assaulting the physical persons, instead wages a war on the mind. This is a stunning and highly inventive work that is visceral and cerebral in equal measure, with Kubrick's amazing direction as usual, and an off the wall performance by McDowell. Searing, powerful, and not for everyone, this is one of the best films of the 1970s.

A very faithful adaptation of Anthony Burgess' novel that presents a disturbing vision of a dystopian future, A Clockwork Orange boasts incredible direction from Stanley Kubrick, and a great performance by Malcolm McDowell. Cerebral, dark, and powerful, this is an often challenged but undeniably rivetting work.

Summary: Classic Kubrick