Review of A Clockwork Orange (1971) by Victor T — 07 Aug 2015

When it comes to making films about controversial subjects, Stanley Kubrick is no stranger, after all he was the man behind the adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov´s "Lolita" and the daring black comedy "Dr Strangelove", so a man like him would clearly want to adapt a novel as infamous and polarizing like Anthony Burgess´s "A Clockwork Orange".

In a futuristic London, Alex DeLarge is a high-schooler that has peculiar and controversial lifestyle: With three of his friends (nicknamed "droogs") he makes a series of illicit activates like home invasion, rape, injure people for fun, and steal.

After knowing the film´s synopsis, most people would find it monstrous or inhuman, but actually "A Clockwork Orange" is exactly the opposite. "A Clockwork Orange" counts with iconic scenes, unforgettable imagery, memorable characters, incredible acting with the best being Malcolm McDowell in one of the greatest mixtures of actor and role I´ve ever seen, themes that are extremely thought provoking and well executed, Kubrick´s directing is insane and my favorite from him, as he plays with time, music, colors and perspectives in a jaw dropping way; the use of classical music is flawless but the real highlight is the electronic soundtrack by Wendy Carlos, the cinematography is as gorgeous as expected from Kubrick, a mesmerizing dark and gritty atmosphere for this futuristic setting, the first half hour is shocking and will alienate a lot of people but they are the base of the story, storytelling that makes you question your own impression of Alex, Kubrick´s classic black humor is present in little doses, the script is probably the greatest Kubrick ever wrote, and a subtle surreal vibe. Of course it goes without saying that this is not a film for everybody, but if you endure then you will be rewarded.

"A Clockwork Orange" is a shocking, beautiful, thought provoking and daring masterpiece. It will shock and disturb people and some of them will not endure or find the greatness in this film but it is still one of the best adaptations out there and it represents the ending chapter of Kubrick´s golden age. Despite its controversial nature and terrifying beginning, this is probably my favorite film all time.