Rated: A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Among other things, Stanley Kubrick has a wonderful sense of satire. Despite a varied and diverse filmography, Kubrick’s most lasting and most loved films are all satires. Dr. Strangelove satirizes foreign relations during the cold war, 2001: A Space Odyssey is (depending on your interpretations) a satire of evolution, and of course, A Clockwork Orange is a satire of human society as a whole. But it doesn’t demonstrate its satire with humor or stunning visuals as those other two Kubrick classics do. Instead, A Clockwork Orange is a very twisted and sick movie. True, it is funny and visually striking at times, but what really hits you is the perfect way this movie is imperfect. Never once are you comfortable with what is happening, the bizarre situations, the perverted behaviors, the stupidity and even simplicity of what you are witnessing. By putting you through this, Kubrick ultimately achieves something that is all but lost on film makers of today; he shows you what real life is like. That is the true brilliance of this movie. It is the purest example of film as art, and for that reason, I think it is one of the finest (and most innovative) films ever made.

Synopsis: Set in a bleak future where crime runs rampant, Alex is the leader of a gang. He gets his kicks robbing, murdering, and having sex. Unfortunately for him, his gang turns on him and Alex is thrown in jail. Anxious to get his life back, Alex volunteers for a controversial procedure developed by the government to make him stop behaving badly. Upon completion of the procedure and release from prison though, Alex finds himself the victim of all the crimes he had previously committed, which raises the question; did he learn his lesson?

Acting: The principal actor here is Malcolm McDowell as Alex, who does a perfect job. Alex is as complex a character as there can be, acting tough and brutish at one time, only to be polite and innocent at the next. McDowell gives the character of Alex brains, as well as the flaws that are innately human. The rest of the cast fits the movie well, often being perfectly over-the-top at the right moments to enhance the tongue-in-cheek quality of the script. Good (23/25) 

• Malcolm McDowell: Great
• Supporting cast: Good

Script/Plot: Kubrick’s famous 3-act structure returns here, and although the movie is long, it is engrossing and often shocking enough to make you forget. Shocking because the content here is only for mature audiences only, not only for the often offending visuals but for the intellectual level the movie operates on. As such, this is one of those movies that most people will hate the first time they see it. The messages and ideas presented though are so provoking that you will want to see it a second or third time. It is rare for a movie to have both so much power and entertainment. Great (25/25) 

• Dialogue: Great
• Script: Great
• Plot: Great
• Themes/Messages: Great

Direction: Of course, Kubrick is perfect as well. The camera placement and structure of the movie is at first very unnerving, seeming like you are in a circus act or something. But it works. The distant shots of action mixed with the close ups of character’s faces creates a juxtaposition which keeps you on the edge of your seat, totally immersed in the movie. More important, the bizarre settings and cuts between shots are there to convince you that this is real life. Gritty, dirty, and unprocessed. Great (25/25) 

• Professionalism: Great
• Flow: Great
• Editing: Great

Special Effects: To be honest, this isn’t a special effects masterpiece like 2001. Instead, it is low budget, and often cuts corners in places. But it works. The weird scenery, run down houses, trash-filled streets, all enhance the tone. More important, the action on screen is impacting enough, and any unnecessary visual thrills would detract from that. Good (20/25) 

• Special Effects: Okay
• Music: Great
• X-Factor: Superb

The Verdict: (93/100) = A      (must see)

• What’s Good: Kubrick flaunts all his talents here, structuring a film like art, where the acting, shocking plot, witty dialogue, and off-kilter visuals make a very strong impression on the viewer.
• What’s Bad: The film is very controversial, so those of you who are offended easily or not mature enough to view the film as art rather than entertainment will be disappointed.
• Summary: Watch out, it bites.

My previous post: Rated: 10 Mini Reviews of 2010 Movies

You may also find this review interesting: Rated: Dr. Strangelove or I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

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