ISC Media Scrapbook: A Clockwork Orange (1971)

1. What is "A Clockwork Orange"?

A Clockwork Orange is a famous novel which was written by Anthony Burgess in 1962. After that, it was directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1971 who is one of famous directors around the world. In addition, characters are remarkable because Malcolm McDowell was cast in the lead role.

Next, the definition of clockwork is the mechanism of a clock [1]. Moreover, the orange might come from the orang which means a person in Malay [2]. Therefore, it means a person who is controlled by social systems like clockwork.

2. A synopsis is..

There are wicked bastards who usually try to commit a crime without any reasons. Among them, the name of the leader is Alex who is represented by a king of violence as well as a first-person narrator. When he commit murder, he is arrested by policemen. During the jail, he want to be a subject of the Ludovico treatment which is developed newly by the government because it can set free him. This method is that it make criminals reform to prevent committing a crime using the treatment. However, the treatments is severe and cruel. This is because he has been enforced to watch terrible films which contain many kinds of violence regardless of his own will. Finally, he is set free and come back to the society. By the way, he feel disgusting when he try to commit a crime. Eventually, he suffers from a mental illness and becomes a victim of the modern age [3].

3. The message that violence means is..

This film is full of lots of crimes, such as violence, murder and rape. In addition, we can clearly see that there are paradoxes and political satires. Even though it is apparent that Alex's violence is serious, the jail seems that it may not be effective which is represented by another type of violence as well. The political violence may be much more serious than Alex's one. Using this kind of effects, the director would like to express satires. Moreover, it is definitely significant that the director used classic music to the film such as Ludwig Van Beethoven. In my opinion, it seems that the atmosphere of music is dependent on the feeling of Alex. When he commit a crime whatever he wants, there is lively and vibrant music. On the other hand, there is sad music during sadness or sorrow for Alex. Furthermore, it is quite interesting that there are a variety of costume and interior at the scenes. Surprisingly, it seems to be suitable for the atmosphere of a story. Also, I would like to talk about how the number of frames is impressive that the director controlled for each scene such as the fighting scene and the sexual scene.

Some people said that this film is disgusting. Yes. I partially agree with them because it could make us uncomfortable. Nevertheless, this film gives us messages which can help to be critical for social problems. I think there are both the bright side and the dark side in the world. Because of that, someone may need to describe the dark side of the world in order to solve and go forward to the right direction.

4. If you have been impressive from this film, what is the next?

If you have tendency that you prefer this kind of films, I would like to recommend that you should watch other films such as Dr. Strangelove, 2001:A Space Odyssey, The shining and Full Metal Jacket which have been directed by Stanley Kubrick. I hope that you could enjoy these films and you are always welcome to discuss with me. As I advise one thing about A Clockwork Orange, the song of "singing in the rain" would be horrible for you at the end of this film.

5. All in all,

Although I heard how much this film was meaningful about 10 years ago, I have just watched the film in this time fortunately. Because I have wanted to concentrate on this film deeply, I have left this film without watching. In my view, not only is it much more impressive than what I have expected, but it is also delicate and sophisticated. Furthermore, it is clear that this film is one of masterpieces which is made in the 20th century. At the end, it will be memorable that there are a lot of colourful mise-en-scene in my mind.

References

[1] http://dictionary.com
[2] http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066921/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clockwork_Orange
[4] http://www.youtube.com/