A Clockwork Orange

Stanley Kubrick was a rarity amongst his contemporaries. An Englishman who'd worked in photography, his vision was grandly disconcerting. Indeed, no other director may have repulsed his viewers in the way that Kubrick did, but they still came back for more. His movies divide opinion amongst most critics, some think of him as the greatest director that ever lived, while the others think he is grossly overrated. From 'Eyes Wide Shut' to 'A Clockwork Orange' and '2001:A Space Odyssey' , there is absolutely no doubt that he was one of a kind.

'A Clockwork Orange' was based on an Anthony Burgess novel, one of those excellent sci fi writers that dotted the 60's and 70's. Dealing with issues such as mind control and government policies, this was as dystopian as they come. The story dealt with Alex, a young and revolting Englishman whose disgusting tendencies would not be out of character for a sadistic rapist. However, Kubrick in some wickedly manner, tries to endear him to us. And while, it simply does not work, it does create a fresh perspective allowing you to put your revulsion aside and try to make sense of it.

Alex's issues are taken care of by the government which uses a form of mind control causing him to writhe in discomfort whenever his sick ideas strike him. However, it is here that the film drops off a bit, meandering into politics and more things you begin to care less about. However, there is no denying that the film is as influential as it is divisive.

Like most Kubrick movies, this one has tasteful classical music dotting the backgrounds of scenes that are so out of sync, it is almost a pity. Alex is one of the most memorable characters ever due to his grotesque manner. However, in true Kubrick style, it is hard to describe what he was trying to achieve here. Was it an insight into a psychopathic mind, or just a plain government opposing affair ?

While the film does teeter about a bit in the second half, it is still a tour de force. Critical reception has not been very kind with most major critics going about how Kubrick makes us or tries, to get us to empathise with naughty little Alex when it is apparent that he is far more evil than your everyday imp. I, on the other hand, think differently. I do find the whole thing repulsive, but in a thrilling sort of way. I would not question the director's motives, but rather examine it objectively and work with what I felt on watching it. In the grand scheme of things, this movie is no doubt a love it or hate it movie. Indeed, people who hate it will spend just as much time glossing on over why they hate it as the ones who loved it. It is one of those rarest films, that causes you to think and semi consciously form an opinion.

As society encourages us to think new, so does it define the boundaries of new. Themes dealt with are prevalent everywhere but an opinion apart from 'disgustiing' is very hard to find. Maybe this is Kubrick's departure from the societal brainwash. I hated this film for what it showed, and yet I had the temerity to accept it for what it was, an imagining whose execution won me over.