Review of A Clockwork Orange (1971) by Andrew S — 05 Nov 2012

So sinister, so deranged, so.....artistic. This, to me, has always been the most memorable Kubrick film, though I have seen much of his work and ACO is far from being my favorite of his. I cannot really put into words what it is about this film that interests me so much, but I think it has something to do with the iconic look of Malcolm Mcdowell, the light-hearted playfulness with such serious topics, it's boldness, the imagery, the music, the story-telling narrative, the tones and moods created by the legendary eye that is kubrick's, and especially thinking about what it would have been like to see this film on a big screen in 1971, and the audiences reaction to it.

Though films today are often much more "in your face violent" with gushing blood and gore, I think what still makes people cringe about the violence in ACO is how REAL it comes across as, and this is created by single-take tracking shots and lack of any special effects to achieve over-the-top violence.

I firmly believe it is simplicity in films that can make the longest-lasting effect, and the simplicity in that lies within ACO makes it truly a film to be celebrated for years and years to come.