DVD Movies: A Clockwork Orange DVD Movie

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A seemingly post-apocalyptic world...a young man (who was but 15 years old in the book) who's greatest source of joy is found in the supposed ills of society...sex, drugs and violence. After being sold out by his droogs, Alex is arrested and incarcerated. He then chooses, despite warnings of the dangers therein, to subject himself to a new "treatment," declaring "I want to be good," in an obviously less than sincere manner. He is then put through nothing less than an array of horrifying treatments to "cure" him of his violent tendencies. The result is a drone, a "Clockwork Orange," who is capable of only what has been programmed. He is subject to revenge and, unable to deal with the repercussions of his acts, attempts suicide. After surviving, the media discovers the horrible results of his "treatment," and expose it for what it is.

A brief synopsis of Burgess's fabulous work of fiction...but words cannot describe what Kubrick has done. It can only be experienced.

Many reviews I've read shows a sort of disgust wit this film, claiming it to be little more than a shock fest. Of course, these people fail to realize the reasoning for displaying such, even disgusted at how the scenes of violence are glorified. THAT is how Alex feels while acting out these crimes. He finds joy, pleasure, excitement! "I'm...ready for love!" To have displayed it for what it truly is would detract from the expressionism of how Alex perceived it. To him, it wasn't a horrible act...it was fun! And to think that the sole message of this film is to feel sorry for criminals...well, I'm sorry that you watched it. You missed it completely. This film isn't about crime and punishment. On the surface, perhaps. But below this lies a bold statement about human nature and relates closely to Carl Jung's statements about evil. Kubrick must be a huge fan of Jung's work, because I see it in most all of his films. Jung believed evil was purely subjective. What is more evil? Beating an old man with sticks or having your thoughts and beliefs programmed into you? Obviously, if you've been brainwashed into Christianity, you'll prefer the former...but consider not being able to choose how to live. Consider being sickened when you see a beautiful member of the opposite sex. Consider not being able to defend yourself from an attacker. Consider a beautiful piece of classical music driving you to suicide. THAT is what the movie is; to me at least. Jung's idea of subjectivity towards evil.

Of course, Kubrick's cinematography is nothing short of brilliant. The scores are appropriate and add to Alex's playful moods.

A word about the nudity. There is, admittedly, a lot. Most of it, however, is represented in artwork. Painting and sculpture. Why does that offend people? Is nudity not perfectly natural? Are we all not nude under our clothing?

And the sex...would any of us be here without it?

Free your minds, people.

I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. Someone else said in their review that this was the American Beauty of the 70's and I think this is quite true. It's a movie that depicts society, or the near future society, in England. Quite simply the movie has it all, in fact I don't even know how to categorize the film. It's almost an action/horror movie when you watch the rape scenes, but it's also a comedy in a sick way, and in the end a huge satire of government, and how they try and "fix" criminals even though we all know this really isn't possible. The truth is evil and hatred exist in all of us, some of us are just better at hiding it. You can't get rid of it, it's part of the human nature, and when you do try and "cure" someone of their primal nature you just dehumanize them.

I won't bother trying to explain much of the plot, cause it's a really difficult movie to explain. You just have to watch it for yourself, it will definetly make you think for days and weeks after seeing it.

Lastly, the acting is top notch, the soundtrack is also excellant, and the movie flows quite well. I honestly can't find one thing wrong with this movie. Go buy it or at the very least rent it immediately. WARNING- This movie contains scenes of extreme violence, rape and nudity. It's beyond what you expect out of an R rated movie. Do not watch it with young children. At the same time don't let this turn you off from the movie though. The more brutal scenes are absolutely necessary to the movie. You can't go around watching everything censored and expect to get a clear picture of the way things really are.

One of the underlying themes of the story lessens the irony that today's audiences find its brand of violence tame. But Kubrick does a fantastic job of using quirky humor to enhance the impact of the brutality on the screen. Juxtaposing camp that is reminiscent of the sixties "Batman" TV series, with images of sheer savagery, was a masterstroke that exposes violence for the absurdity that it is. As the viewers will see for themselves, the protagonist becomes the target of a very insidious form of evil.

The great director's use of cinematography is brilliant in this work, and his lacing of music with the imagery is potent indeed. Burgess's novel is flecked with references to music, and Kubrick exploited this fact to the utmost. We are often treated to sensory paradox, as the director blends fury with whimsy, and the mundane with menace. Among other scenes, who can forget the opening shot, the "signing in the rain" sequence, or the scene by the "flatblock marina"?

Malcolm McDowell's performance is fabulous! As the sociopathic, young hoodlum, "Alex," McDowell manages to make us laugh (sometimes with remorse), make us loathe him, and even, somehow, pity him. Malcolm takes his lines, laden with the catchy, invented language "Nadsat," and makes them memorable. Kubrick himself didn't want to make the movie with another actor, and his genius served him well; one CANNOT imagine any other actor in the role of "Alex."

The video transfer of this movie to DVD is adequate; I found little to complain about, other than the grainy appearance of a couple of scenes. The sound is fine, but consumers should be aware that it's only offered in the original mono. Purists may be disappointed with the film's "matted" widescreen format, as there has been some question regarding the legitimacy of this "preserving the aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition." Finally, there are NO special features other than the theatrical trailer. (It's unfortunate that the same elitism that helped make Kubrick a legendary director has shortchanged fans of his works.) Still, this is the best that lovers of "A Clockwork Orange" have at their disposal, and, at Amazon's price, it's hard to pass up.

For fans of this film, I highly recommend the excellent, seminal novel by Anthony Burgess; it's a fast, enjoyable read, containing the 21st chapter omitted in the movie version. Among movies, I suggest that you give "Trainspotting," and, the soon to be released on DVD, "Fightclub" a try. Viddy well, o my brothers!