A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Dan S

  
  An intensely disturbing, phenomenally unique social satire of a dystopian society in which a young man (Malcolm McDowell) and his three best friends wreak havoc amongst a nihilistic society desperate for authority. I saw this film when I was a sophomore in high school, and I did not… More
  An intensely disturbing, phenomenally unique social satire of a dystopian society in which a young man (Malcolm McDowell) and his three best friends wreak havoc amongst a nihilistic society desperate for authority. I saw this film when I was a sophomore in high school, and I did not appreciate it as much the first time around. Now, seeing it again as a senior in college, I believe it to be an utter masterpiece. Originally I missed a lot of the subversive darkly comical elements it possesses, but seeing it once again, the sheer balls and audacity director Stanley Kubrick displays here is simply incredible. McDowell's creepy, sadistic performance is the stuff of legends, and Kubrick's use of classical music to a demonizing effect is unlike anything done in cinema before. It is definitely a tough view, the rape scenes that hit within the first 20 minutes are particularly frightening, but there is a point to the madness. Definitely controversial, but without question educational and thought-provoking. Sex and violence have their largely negative parts, but to strip all elements away from these particular things is emotionally devastating. One of many Kubrick masterpieces.

• Melvin W

  
  Alex: What we were after now was the old surprise visit. That was a real kick and good for laughs and lashings of the old ultraviolent.  "Being the adventures of a young man whose principal interests are rape, ultra-violence and Beethoven." A Clockwork Orange is the… More
  Alex: What we were after now was the old surprise visit. That was a real kick and good for laughs and lashings of the old ultraviolent.  "Being the adventures of a young man whose principal interests are rape, ultra-violence and Beethoven." A Clockwork Orange is the classic adaption of Anthony Burgess's question raising book. Stanley Kubrick doesn't quite go the same way that Burgess did, but both the book and the movie give different answers to the same question. Kubrick deciding to change the ending doesn't take away from how amazing the film is; that is unless you're Anthony Burgess(He didn't care for it one bit). Burgess wanted the reader to go away with the belief that a human beings are good, and can change their behavior. Kubrick decided to give us a much grimmer theme, that when given the choice, a bad person will choose bad over good every time.  With the character we are given, I think Kubrick's decision is a wise one. There are people in the world that will never change their behavior. Alex DeLarge is one of those people. Alex's behavior is sociopathic. He has no sympathy for what he does, but can lie his way out of things. He can con people. He isn't someone that if given the choice, would change his behavior. Kubrick knows there are people in the world like this and I assume that is why he made the decision to not include Burgess's more optimistic ending. Alex and his droogs drink "milk plus," then go out and do what Alex loves so much. He gets to perform the old "in out, in out" and the "ultraviolence." They lie their way into a house and severely beat a married couple. It is an extremely brutal and disturbing scene, that is made all the more disturbing by Alex's singing of "Singin' In the Rain." He sings it as he beats the couple and also as he gets ready to rape the woman. The night after this attack, him and his friends again do the same thing at another house. This time Alex doesn't get away, and actually ends up killing the victim. He is sentenced to 14 years in prison for his crime. Once in prison, he volunteers for a new behavior changing experiment. A Clockwork Orange isn't a film for the faint of heart. It's a movie filled with violence and disturbing imagery, including rapes. It is a portrait of deranged young man, that is played flawlessly by Malcolm McDowell. For some, it may be too much. It is a pretty misunderstood movie though, even by a lot of people who like it. It isn't so much about the man or the violence. Should a man be given the choice to choose between right and wrong? God thought so, so why should we think any differently?  And can bad men ever change, or will they stay evil until they die? The issue of whether Alex should have the choice between right and wrong is really well done. The argument is shown between the chaplain and the experiment leader. The chaplain argues that if Alex doesn't have a choice, but is forced to at a certain way, he isn't really a man. The counter argument isn't as though out. It's more along the line of, "Hey, who cares? It works." Prison Chaplain: Goodness is something to be chosen. When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man. 

• KJ P

  
  Honestly, I must first begin by saying that this film begins with a very hard to watch first half hour; However, after he is caught and thrown in prison, the film switches gears and seems to become a little more natural and flowing. The conversion from helplessly awful to a mental… More
  Honestly, I must first begin by saying that this film begins with a very hard to watch first half hour; However, after he is caught and thrown in prison, the film switches gears and seems to become a little more natural and flowing. The conversion from helplessly awful to a mental stabilization, has never been more effective. From a hard to watch premise, an amazing script, jaw-dropping lead performances, and an outcome that will have you think twice for believing this film to be any less than perfect. This is one of the finest pieces of film that I have ever laid eyes on. This picture is pure horrific genius!

• Jameson W

  
  Another one of Kubrick's films that I liked, but at the same time I didn't. There certainly are many classic elements in this film that are well worth while, but I was still left with that same sense that I felt upon watching other Kubrick classics (2001 and The… More
  Another one of Kubrick's films that I liked, but at the same time I didn't. There certainly are many classic elements in this film that are well worth while, but I was still left with that same sense that I felt upon watching other Kubrick classics (2001 and The Shining)...why am I supposed to care? I understand what the film is about, but I don't get the point of the film. After I watched this film the only thing I could think was... "okay." The concept of this film is interesting and it was certainly ahead of it's time and is still unlike anything I've seen. Malcolm McDowell is really good in this.

• Joel K

  
  Stanley Kubrick's controversial adaptation of Anthony Burgess 1962 novel of the same name, A Clockwork Orange is a visually stunning, brilliantly acted, and refreshingly disturbing piece of cinema, with a great soundtrack to boot. It follows the exploits of the teenage thug Alex… More
  Stanley Kubrick's controversial adaptation of Anthony Burgess 1962 novel of the same name, A Clockwork Orange is a visually stunning, brilliantly acted, and refreshingly disturbing piece of cinema, with a great soundtrack to boot. It follows the exploits of the teenage thug Alex DeLarge, who enjoys rape, ultra-violence, and Beethoven. But he's soon enough sent to prison, and there he applies for a special new treatment which conditions people against violence. Banned (withdrawn?) by its director on its UK release, and lambasted by the British press for apparently inspiring copycat crimes, A Clockwork Orange has a bad name that it doesn't deserve. It's an intelligent, satirical, and sublime film.

• Graham J

  
  Thought provoking and highly disturbing, Kubrick turns Burgess' novel into a extremely dark, futuristic nightmare.

• Jan Marc M

  
  A Clockwork Orange launches the iconic eyeliner and the war of science against the violent, criminal mind from an Anthony Burgess novel of the same name. Sinisterly brilliant, comical, satirical, and metaphorical. Dark, lingering musical score. An artistic cult classic. Most bold and… More
  A Clockwork Orange launches the iconic eyeliner and the war of science against the violent, criminal mind from an Anthony Burgess novel of the same name. Sinisterly brilliant, comical, satirical, and metaphorical. Dark, lingering musical score. An artistic cult classic. Most bold and daring.

• Brad W

  
  A Clockwork Orange is not only Kubricks greatest masterpiece, it is one of the greatest films in the history of movie making. Alex (Malcolm Mcdowell) is a charismatic, sociopathic, teenager who spends his time with his "droogies" wreaking havoc like beating and raping.… More
  A Clockwork Orange is not only Kubricks greatest masterpiece, it is one of the greatest films in the history of movie making. Alex (Malcolm Mcdowell) is a charismatic, sociopathic, teenager who spends his time with his "droogies" wreaking havoc like beating and raping. When murdering a woman and being betrayed by his droogies, Alex is taken to prison. After two years Alex signs up for a treatment to get him out of jail early, but what this will do to him will change who he is completely, a law abiding citizen. The plot of A Clockwork Orange is not a screenplay, it is a poem of genius with many themes and great meanings and a story that will shake the very fabric of our minds, and even after weeks the twistedness still is making my brain spin. Malcolm Mcdowell plays my second most favorite role of all time (Anthony Hopkins Hannibal Lector being the first), he is so mezmorizing, so memorable, and so evil it is hard to believe an actor can be this perfect, what a perfect role. The direction of the film is amazing, I love almost all of Kubricks work but this is by far his best in my opinion, it truly has so many meanings and truths about evil. The score of the film is amazing, it took some of the greatest composed scores ever and put it into one masterpiece. A Clockwork Orange should be seen by all once in their life, but not kids, if you've seen the film you know what im talking about, haha.

• Jason C

  
  I've always been intrigued with the concept of this movie, the dehumanizing of a sociopath. Through it all, I never felt Alex got all that he deserved. This movie was directed perfectly by Stanley Kubrick, and Malcolm McDowell's performance is top notch. That said, as… More
  I've always been intrigued with the concept of this movie, the dehumanizing of a sociopath. Through it all, I never felt Alex got all that he deserved. This movie was directed perfectly by Stanley Kubrick, and Malcolm McDowell's performance is top notch. That said, as classic as this movie is, it's never been one of my favorites. I've always found the dialogue and scenery to be too over-the-top, and at times, just irritating. Still, the positives outweigh the bad.

• Lewis C

  
  (Full review coming later.)

• Film C

  
  I don't get it, why is this movie a classic? Granted for its time it was probably considered a very bold if not dangerous move to make to the world of cinema as it truly is graphic even more graphic than you see in movies nowadays which is saying something. It a weird movie… More
  I don't get it, why is this movie a classic? Granted for its time it was probably considered a very bold if not dangerous move to make to the world of cinema as it truly is graphic even more graphic than you see in movies nowadays which is saying something. It a weird movie that although the concept is interesting the script and movie itself failed to hook me and keep me hooked.

• Kevin C

  
  Mesmerizing. Shocking. Hysterical. Poignant. Masterful. Any synonym for any of these words would more than suffice in describing the sick, Mozart infused wonder that is A Clockwork Orange.

• Lucas M

  
  Um estudo psicologico sobre a atitude agressiva do jovem Alex, culto, educado, inteligente e lideral. Uma reflexão sobre a formação de um ser humano. Forte, assustador, polêmico e estranhamente engraçado, em razão do humor negro. O filme que me fez gostar de cinema. Maravilhoso… More
  Um estudo psicologico sobre a atitude agressiva do jovem Alex, culto, educado, inteligente e lideral. Uma reflexão sobre a formação de um ser humano. Forte, assustador, polêmico e estranhamente engraçado, em razão do humor negro. O filme que me fez gostar de cinema. Maravilhoso trabalho de Stanley Kubrick, Malcolm McDowell e de toda equipe.

• Keiko A

  
  Nothing much I can say about it other then we had to watch it around 4 times. I hated it the first time and I just do. I think it's very overrated and boring its just one story of this guy named Alex. I don't think beating the shit out of some homeless guy and raping people… More
  Nothing much I can say about it other then we had to watch it around 4 times. I hated it the first time and I just do. I think it's very overrated and boring its just one story of this guy named Alex. I don't think beating the shit out of some homeless guy and raping people makes a good story and doing it again and again. Protagonist Alex is an "ultraviolent" youth in futuristic Britain. As with all luck, his eventually runs out and he's arrested and convicted of murder and rape. While in prison, Alex learns of an experimental program in which convicts are programmed to detest violence. If he goes through the program his sentence will be reduced and he will be back on the streets sooner than expected. But Alex's ordeals are far from over once he hits the mean streets of Britain that he had a hand in creating. Just like I said it's boring and repetive. That's all I can say. 40% for story: I just think it's boring 20% for acting: I don't think Malcolm McDowell was that good and I think most of them were overacting. 20% for special effects: Not much to see or say about. 50% for characters: I think we could have known more about Alex or some others but this is my only high praise. 30% for everything else: the music was really good. I just think its very overrated many would disagree with me. Keiko's score 27-100

• Kevin M

  
  A classic and I think one of Kubrick's best. -0.5 stars though, cuz the acting was over-the-top, but i think that's what Kubrick wanted, it also helps the mood of it's dark comedy

• Kase V

  
  2001 who? THIS is what great filmmaking is and should be. A Clockwork Orange defies a genre with it's thrills, terror, excitement, and laughs. There are so many memorable and repeatable quotes, and Malcolm McDowell is literally perfect casting for Alex, one of the greatest… More
  2001 who? THIS is what great filmmaking is and should be. A Clockwork Orange defies a genre with it's thrills, terror, excitement, and laughs. There are so many memorable and repeatable quotes, and Malcolm McDowell is literally perfect casting for Alex, one of the greatest villains in film history. Almost shakespearian in it's language, Kubrick delivers a bravado of talent and style that cannot be mistaken for anything else. In my usual lowly opinion, Kubrick's masterpiece. O my brothers, you will not be disappointed. Watch and learn my little droogs, watch and learn.

• Ariuza k

  
  Simply a mad fucking movie I have seen just over a million times I think. This is by far the only movie I have liked by "Stanley Kubrick" Hated "The Shining" so much I think it's one of the worst movies I have ever seen, same goes for "Eyes Wide… More
  Simply a mad fucking movie I have seen just over a million times I think. This is by far the only movie I have liked by "Stanley Kubrick" Hated "The Shining" so much I think it's one of the worst movies I have ever seen, same goes for "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Barry London". Never got into "2001 A space odyssey" or "Full metal Jacket". Simple the greatest book ever wrote (Or one of them) I have read it so many times it's just not funny. Now.... "Alex" is one of the worst delinquents you've ever seen, but his treatment is even more deterrent. The worst punishment by the authorities of a delinquent I could think of was something like solitary confinement or lobotomy. "Anthony Burgess"' ultra-violence (and the old 'in and out') isn't very controversial anymore if you consider the success of Fight Club and many others since Clockwork. But the message (social problem) is still very important. It comes in the form of moral terror and science fiction (although you might not even think it's SF after having seen it) but is the best character study I have ever seen. The question is whose character is studied here: the authorities' or "Alex"'? This is definitely "Malcolm McDowell's" best achievement by far (Or "Caligula"). He kind of made this into his own movie. I don't think I could ever take a look at McDowell again without seeing his incorrigible character from this film. Could anybody? I couldn't help but drop my jaw due to astonishment and admiration when I saw this film a few years ago, although I had seen it ten years before and probably never fully comprehended but remembered every detail. It's so beautiful (neither idyllic nor romantic!) in any way. It doesn't need gore and blood n' guts to leave a strong taste. That is the achievement of cinematographer "John and Kubrick's" perfection. Almost everything in this film is "unforgettable": the decor of the film, the slang Alex and his collaborators use (without subtitles probably even incomprehensible), the new interpretation of famous music and the outstanding performances of the rest of the cast. Kubrick seemed to have touched a wound when he made "Burgess'" novel into cinema. While I'm writing this I realise that there is a US mockumentary named Punishment Park (1971!) that has a comparable frightening message. First, Punishment Park is also banned from television (not by it's director but by US government I hear) because of its extremely disturbing "imagery". Secondly it is also a denunciation of the punishment of (supposed) delinquents. Third it is from the same era and in the not so obvious form of SF. Well, see for yourself if it's comparable, but don't expect the brilliance of Clockwork.

• Kristijonas F

  
  A twisted, dystopia-inspired, futuristic nightmare that grips you by the eyeballs and never lets go. Impeccable in visual direction and style, Stanley Kubrick stands on a mountain-top and yells out to everyone that he's the boss for this one. King Kong style.

• Zach B

  
  When it comes to films, there has, is, and always be one problem with the entire history and scope of films: Censorship. And what other film could be the prime target of censorship than the film A Clockwork Orange. Now, the direction of the film is, unbelievable. How the story unfolds… More
  When it comes to films, there has, is, and always be one problem with the entire history and scope of films: Censorship. And what other film could be the prime target of censorship than the film A Clockwork Orange. Now, the direction of the film is, unbelievable. How the story unfolds itself to you start cheering along with the main villain, is just wonderful. You should hate Alex due to his ways, but you end up loving him. It take a director to pull that off with grace, and Kubrick does it with stupendousness. There is a reason why he is a genius. Now, with the script, it does keep the spirit of the novel with grace, but with a first watch, some of the dialect use can be confusing. But, if you sit back and just let the film go by, then you will start to get use to it and threw that, it becomes wonderful. Acting, in this film, goes beyond and over expectations. Every person in this film does an outstanding job, especially Malcolm McDowell playing Alex DeLarge. I do not need to get onto his performance, sense it is so legendary as is, but to look at the other characters, and to see how they create such over the top, exaggerated people in this disturbing and weird world does create a chilling and disturbing viewing experience. Now, unto the score. While it is made up mostly of the music of the great Ludwig Van Beethoven, it does create an atmosphere of insanity to such an extent that the music becomes one of the greatest characters in the film. At first the music goes along with Alex, then it starts to be used against him. How that is presented, is what makes this film so great. Now, I do not recommend this film to the normal film viewer, for some if not every scene will either shock or repulse most. But, if you love good art films, ones that make you think, and above all else shows a very striking real look into our world, then by all means give this film a watch.

• AJ V

  
  A crazy, intense, rebellious, and controversial motion picture. I love it, it's a classic now, and I highly recommend checking it out if you haven't seen it. The story is brilliant and I love McDowell in the movie.

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