Review of A Clockwork Orange (1971) by Owen H — 29 May 2016

Dark, twisted, ultra-violent and uncompromisingly explicit, Stanley Kubrick's sci-fi masterpiece provides an unmistakably brilliant yet uncomfortable viewing experience. Based on the book of the same name, the film follows Alex, a young boy who is as equally obsessed with extreme sexual violence as he is with Beethoven's 9th Symphony, spending his evenings with his pack of 'droogs' causing mayhem until he becomes the centre of a controversial government brain-washing programme designed to rid society of crime.

The film explores powerful issues, such as government intervention, the importance of free will and the split between the young and old of society, that make the film continuously thought-provoking and disturbingly relevant. Kubrick achieves a grounded sci-fi feel through intelligent use of sets, backgrounds and props. Instead of crazy gadgets or robots, erotic art and quirky costumes give the sense of a different society. The film looks futuristic to an extent, but feels very realistic, making its content even more apt and terrifying. Kubrick also incorporates the book's made up language, Nadsat, a combination of English, Russian and Cockney rhyming slang. It results in intriguing dialogue that feels like you are part of an older generation attempting to understand the weird colloquialisms of teenagers. This language is prevalent, thanks to narration from Alex himself. Malcolm McDowell's definitive performance is unnervingly brilliant as the psychopath. He comes across as charming in his speech yet repulsive in his actions. He often refers to the viewer as 'friend', creating an uncomfortable personal relationship between oneself and Alex. The juxtaposition of his speech and actions makes for an engaging and interesting character, and it is easy to see his influence throughout cinema.

A Clockwork Orange is a multi-layered motion picture that has great range and depth. It deals with ever more relevant issues and themes and is therefore a true must watch film.