Review of A Clockwork Orange (1971) by Simon H — 10 Jun 2014

A Clockwork Orange will not be everyone's kind of enjoyment. What was once considered controversial has now become a lot tamer compared to what is on show these days, but that doesn't stop it from being an edgy piece of film. Kubrick manages to build up the tension by showing the horror on the victims before cutting away preventing you from seeing the actual action.

Whether you like the film or not, you can't help but admire the artistic film-making techniques Kubrick has implemented. Many scenes are presented either sped up or slowed down, and there are many close-ups on characters expressions, but what I really loved was the choice of score. The film is full of familiar classical music which is set to the tone of that particular scene. Whether it's simply walking down a path or assaulting an innocent man, there is a classical piece to fit it. All this really helps you fit in the world of the characters.

Speaking of characters, Malcolm McDowell is excellent in the lead role. As well as his smirk he has as he stares into the camera, the tone of his voice really makes you uneasy. Having his narration throughout the film is an excellent idea to make the character's evil side really sink in to you.

It's not all there to make you feel bad and there are some really humorous moments, especially the little things McDowell says and do. If I was going to be picky about anything in the film then it would be the "future" scenes which were already outdated by the time the 90's rolled around, but that's nothing to complain about.

Not everybody will find A Clockwork Enjoyable but it sure is an interesting experience.