Malcolm McDowell has a lot of crazy stories about his time in the film--eg, he did almost drown during that outdoor tub scene, the nurse really jabbed him with a real needle (to get that reaction), etc. Also, the film has a lot of Kubrick regulars in it--eg, Alex's dad was also Grady, the previous caretaker in "The Shining," the writer in the wheelchair was the Chevalier in "Barry Lyndon," etc. Oh, & perhaps you didn't recognize that the bodybuilder was David Prowse aka "Darth Vader."
I met David when I was about 10, bugs me I hadn’t saw a clockwork orange then because now I’d have definitely asked him about his time with that more than Star Wars lmao
A lot of what you said is mental. Why would anyone have any reason to recognize a bodybuilder who isn't ever showing his face unless you track him down, which is weird in itself, let people be. And Kubrick was borderline insane. Who tortures their actors or put them in a bad position for a movie? Movies are fun and can be insipiring, but in any way you twist it, it's a distraction. All you need to understand the world is already in reality, if you need films to learn it's because you are distracted from reality. It's so bizarre when people treat actors and movies as something more than what they are
During the ludovico scene, alex is freaking out, not because he is dissonant with the beauty of the music and the reality of violence, it’s because he really enjoys classical music, and he doesn’t like that the drugs he is being given is making him averse to the music he loves
That's part of the effect of this movie. When reading the book, many of the words and phrases are completely foreign. So much so that there is a glossary included in the book. Reading is slow at first because you are constantly checking the meaning of the words. By the time you finish, you don't need to check because you have been conditioned to understand this new language. The character in the book, as well as you the reader, undergo similar treatment. Same with this film. Kubrick had to condition the audience in under two hours using visual and audible effects. Much of the score of this film will trigger your memory of the jarring scenes paired with the popular and classical music that was used.
Malcolm told a great anecdote about being at a party and seeing Gene Kelly talking to someone across the room and he went up to speak to him, When Gene turned around and saw it was him he immediately walked away as he was deeply disturbed by how that song had been used in Clockwork.
For the scene where Alex jumps out the window, Kubrick destroyed numerous cameras as he just kept throwing them out the window to get the shot he wanted. Another fact - this film wasn’t allowed to be shown in the uk until 2000. Video stores all around the uk had so many requests for this movie they had to place signs in windows saying “No we do not have a clockwork orange”.
They used a single clockwork Newman-Sinclair camera totally encased in polystyrene except for a hole for the lens. This camera type was considered pretty robust already as it had been issued to WW2 combat cameramen. They dropped the camera several times but it didn't land lens down, which was what Kubrick wanted. Eventually it did land on the lens and broke it, but the camera body itself was still intact. It wouldn't have made sense to not protect numerous cameras and just allow them to break because then the film would have been exposed to light and the take ruined anyway.
Kubrick took umbrage at the reception it got and demanded it was removed from circulation until his death. For years I had a VHS copy bought in Amsterdam with Dutch subs haha!
@@Lethgar_Smith It IS a comedy, it's a dark comedy. It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. The humor is almost South Park-like. I completely missed the humor on my first viewing, but totally got it on the second.
This film is a cinematic masterpiece, and one of my personal favorite films of all time. It’s also much deeper than just a glossy, ultra-violent, nihilistic trope, and is often deeply misunderstood, even reviled. Unjustly so IMO. Here’s why: This stunning masterwork’s actual intention is to serve as an intended catalyst to a much larger conversation. At its core, it’s a social commentary, a Sociological study, observation and analogy, a meditation even, on the very nature of good v. evil. It begs the question, what actually constitutes one or the other wholly? And who among us can actually act on or embody either wholly, accurately and completely? And further still, reach a universal consensus of what wholly constitutes either? Is anything truly and wholly just one or the other, or are people and situations merely shades of grey, with no one single person or situation fitting into one single category? Furthermore, can one even exist without the other? And how far is too far in the pursuit of the “good”? Where is the line that divides and decides, keeps those goodly pursuits from crossing over into actual evil disguised as good? Yet is it not only possible, but a proven fact, that at times and for some (or even all) among any given group or party of assembled “good” people, in the eye of a doing “good” storm, in pursuit of carrying out a “good” act, to become blinded by their own narcissism and unable to see the crossover when it happens? Failing to recognize that their methods in pursuit of the good have now gone into evil territory, have now gone too far? How many times in recorded history has an assembly of “good” lost their grip on the very tenants of ‘“good”, and disillusioned yet driven by blind faith and belief, ego and narcissism, end up carrying out acts that when examined, actually constitute becoming the very thing they were attempting to stop in the first place? However what if the balance of the scales between the two are actually just an illusion also? When in reality, the scales are constantly in flux and never fully balance? This is not just conjecture; these kinds of situations happen everyday and throughout recorded history. In politics and parliament. In organized religion. In the police force. In the corrections and justice system. In everyday life. It may have even happened to you, as either the doer OR the receiver. I mean, for example, they used to hang suspected witches, all in the Godly name of the good, the right and the true; all in the name of justice and religion. Now these many centuries later, we view those past acts as persecution and plain old murder, and banished those practices long ago. But back then, it was considered an act of “good” to drown, hang or burn those suspected of witchcraft; and although we now recognize the evil inside those previously viewed acts of “good”, it doesn’t erase the fact that it happened. And still happens in different forms to this very today. I believe the point of the film is not to give absolutes about either good nor evil; but rather to make a bold statement that it’s the philosophical conversation regarding the two that is worth having. That must be had, if we ever hope to progress positively as a society. I have read the book this film is based on. However, in what’s certainly a rare occasion, the film outshines and out performs the novel by light years. And Kubrick brings that important conversation to the forefront like a gut punch; it is a visceral, brave, unbound, powerful, visually stunning, and expertly acted and directed, one of a kind work of filmmaking genius. This is truly Kubrick’s finest, and most important film. And like American History X, Fight Club, Kids, It’s A Wonderful Life (I’m sentimental what can I say 🤷🏼♀️😂), and Get Out among others, it remains a film of social commentary begging to be examined and discussed, that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Glad you boys came ‘round, and settled in for some milk+, and a good ol’ helping of Kubrick’s ultra-violence 😉 Edit: Also, sorry I wrote so much. I love to write. And it seems I did just that here. 😂 If you don’t read it all, that’s cool and I understand. Apologies again. If you do, thanks and I hope you found it worth your time. 👍
However disturbing or upsetting you may find any part of this movie, it’s 10x more so in the book. Edit: except for that bit with the device holding open his eyes. I also can’t stand stuff happening to peoples’ eyes.
1971 was such a controversial / brutal year in the movie history. Bunch of "ultra violent" films came out that year that defined movie violence for decades to come A Clockwork Orange was one of them and Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs, Don Siegel's Dirty Harry (starring Clint Eastwood), William Friedkin's The French Connection and Get Carter (starring Michael Caine) are couple other films to mention from that particular year. There're several articles and essays written about that year in cinema history so I'd pay really good attention to those films if you want to understand the development of film violence.
Same. I originally saw it in 1982, at the age of 14. I remembered it vividly & wasn’t really interested in watching it again, however I did end up watching it a few more times with friends, when I was in my 20’s & 30’s. It definitely grew on me after I’d seen it several times. While it’s a very disturbing film, there’s an underlying sardonic quality I didn’t catch the first time around.
It's not so much about multiple viewing, or the time period when someone first watches the movie. But more about being the type of person who is okay with and enjoys the movie's unique heightened reality and deliberately over the top performances, dialogue and style. I myself watched the movie for the very first time just a few years ago and instantly loved it's unique masterful film-making style from the first five minutes onward. I feel it's more about being the kind of person who either "gets it" and clicks with the vibe, or somebody who doesn't.
Thats excactly what happened. This movie gets better and better. You start to unserstand how genius Stanley is and how he had the balls to so something like this. Work of art
I saw this when I was just turned 18, my first year in college. The imagery was so vivid, the action so extreme and unexpected, the contrast with the music do stunning, the odd slang and setting in a world of urban decay - i loved it. I remember a friend who saw it the night before me describing the murder scene: the main character attacking a woman with a giant phallus sculpture as she defended herself with a bust of Beethhoven- what? Yet there it was. I think this was an important film because it opened up what filmmakers could get away with - well, apparently not in the UK according to another comment. I don't think movies like Joker would have been possible if this hadn't been made. It was only 13-14 years earlier that Powell and Pressburger made "Peeping Tom," a movie so distorting it pretty much ended their brilliant careers. But that allowed Hitchcock to know how far to go with Psycho. BTW, the novel of this, by Anthony Burgess, is brilliant. He created the lingo the boys use, which he called "Nadsats", and was based on some nonsense and some Russian words, anticipating a particular direction for the Cold War. It was used much more extensively in the novel. The edition i read had a glossary in the back. Anyway, I will still refer to eggs as "eggywegs" or say that I've got a "pain in me gulliver".
@CLester No it's not, the French Connection is very boring and even though this doesn't mean the movie is bad, it's worth nothing, it spoils it's ending in the films poster too. In other words the only part of the movie where anything happens.
Exactly. The film is more focused on freewill as opposed to being controlled by a higher power, even if Alex's idea of freewill is r*pe and ultra-violence.
Kubrick 's approach was to show the character as it was ,rather portray his own viewpoint.He left it upto the audience. While obviously I didn't sympathise for Alex de large , The scenes where he is released from prison are also equally disturbing as the scenes where he wrecked havoc. The main question the film asks is whether it is right to change someone completely and how far are we willing to take it. Alex de large was a criminal but even he didn't deserve what happened to him. The way the movie shoes violence is almost cartoonish way is why I like it. It makes it unique and gives a very different look than other psychological films. Moreover I appreciate Kubrick deciding to make films on such difficult topics. It's definitely a film which makes you think rather than a simple "it's good" or "it's bad" film. Plus the cinematography and the set designs are absolutely breathtaking. The music and dialogue all iconic.
About the sets, I was always a little appalled by the veneer of ugliness over the ugliness of working-class British life, especially Alex's parents apartment. I am reminded of it in every interior scene in "Coronation Street".
I think the "meaning" of the film has been misunderstood. Alex wasn't brainwashed or "changed completely", he was simply prevented from acting violently. The film makes clear that Alex's sadistic urges never leave him. His conditioning simply stops him from acting. Arguably that is no worse than keeping someone in prison, or giving them a restraining order.
11:17 - matter of fact, the contraption used to hold his eyes open is meant for a patient to be lying down, because they had it upright for the scene, at one point it malfunctioned and scratched his cornea.
I agree with your take on Alex, and your point of view about the film if you focus on the character, the protagonist, and his free will, and his sense of right and wrong, but I always find that it's also interesting to think about the setting, and all the other factors and their role, and their sense of right and wrong, whether it's the State, the Police, the Church, society in all different levels, individuals.
Malcolm McDowell is a very respected and well renowned actor who has a long and extensive list of acting roles in everything from movies to series to games. If you want shock value check out Caligula. If you want drama check out "If...". If you want action, check out "Gangster no. 1". He's been in at least 84 movies. He is an awesome actor!
considering this movie is 50 years old, it still is confrontational in a way that is hard to face. Kubrik was a visionary. Additionally, McDowell plays a blinder, and the source material, the book, is arguably better imho. Real Horrorshow
@@larindanomikos I don't think that's strictly true, particularly movies based on short stories. eg: I can't remember any of 'Supertoys last all summer long' which A.I was based on. I know people love to hate on that movie, but I thought it was very good.
The best time of life to see A Clockwork Orange is as a teenager. Right at the nexus of joyful chaos and new ideas, so that it's more of an experience than a mere thought experiment. I notice that people who see it later have much less of a visceral response, or even just see it as noisy, and go for cerebral interpretations.
The language dialect is called Nadsat and is a mixture of Russian and Romany, if memory serves, it is meant to parody the generational language gap that always happens. Kids have a kind of code language. The original text contains a glossary of translation of about 300 words or so.... i remember a few
There's a lot of variations of Cockney rhyming slang mixed into it as well. Like when he says to Billy Bob 'In poison' = 'In person'. Or words like 'cutter' meaning 'money'. Or just 'viddy' meaning 'to look at'. But yeah a large sample of the words they use in this film and the book are just Russian words, like Rassoodock, Devotchka, and Sooka.
in the book Alex was 15-16 years old. basically a vicious, teenage bully. no impulse control. the Joker was an older, more "mature" villain with a plan...
Barry Lyndon is a great and often overlooked Kubrick film. You'll notice that Kubrick had a few regulars in his movies. Alex's dad was the bartender/axe murderer in The Shining, The prison preacher is also in Barry Lyndon as an army officer.
The final chapter of the novel was not adapted because Kubrick felt it was terrible. The chapter is as goes: Alex returns to his life of crime with a new gang, only for him to realize that he doesn't feel the same thrill (if such a word can be described about how he feels about his crimes) in that lifestyle and decides he is going to change for the better. In the context of the film, it does make more sense to leave the chapter out because it's a change in his character that comes out of left field, because his behavior and way of viewing the world are twisted. Leaving the implication that Alex will now be enabled by the same government that is trying to hide its corruption as a way to control their image is more terrifying; he will never change.
I freakin' LOVE this channel. You two specifically are so damn SHARP, funny and you give us an enjoyable reaction experience with your well timed commentary.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, and A Clockwork Orange books both came out around the same time in the early 60's. The movies also came out around the same time in the mid 70's. Anti-psychiatry messages.
Your review is spot on. My favorite Kubrick films are PATHS OF GLORY, SPARTACUS, FULL METAL JACKET. Paths is a must see. (Note: at some point, be sure to watch TIME AFTER TIME. HG Wells (Malcolm McDowell) vs. Jack the Ripper (David Warner). PS It's really good to see you here, Tom.
This is definitely a movie almost everyone sees for the first time while in college in America. I rated it a 7/10 as well on my first viewing. I was 19-20 at the time and was definitely too young and hadn't enough life experience to fully appreciate it-- I wasn't accustomed to "disturbing" films yet. You're more taken aback by the shock value and by the bizarre atmosphere and tone to really "get" it. I avoided it for the next 7 years and forced myself to rewatch it and couldn't believe how I missed all the humor on first viewing. It's one of the funniest movies ever made. And the violence is conveyed in such an over-the-top way that makes it very amusing. Now, it's a 10/10 to me. Also, "Clockwork" IS a sci-fi film, it's dystopian sci-fi. And definitely react to "The Silence of the Lambs". Also, are you guys ever gonna get back to your Best Picture Oscar run? You guys did, I think, 6 out of the 10 you originally proposed but haven't been on it for 8 months or more.
OMG I had exactly the same experience. I saw it when I was a teenager, like most people. I remember thinking it was incredibly beautiful, but I didn't really "understand" it, not on a deeper moral level. Having watched it again in my 40s I am now of the opinion that it's his best film and one of great works of art. It's far more "real" than I could have ever imagined.
I really appreciate and prefer your honest and even critical reactions, rather than sugarcoating your responses for views. I am in my 50s and it’s interesting to see the perspective of a different generation on these plot lines, and it’s a testament to these films that people are still talking about them all these years later. Keep up the good work!
2:45 i get that! i feel that way about titanic. to this day i still haven’t watched it (but i obviously know some of the iconic scenes such as the “i’m flying” scene, the painting scene and the last scene) and honestly i don’t know if i’ll ever watch it lol
Thanks (and welcome back), Tom! Thanks, Shaun! 🕰🍊 I've long loved A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)... and was thrilled to see it on the big screen, in a revival, a few years back in New Orleans.
Kubrik's take on satire is brilliant in ways that few can appreciate and, as expected, you two picked up on it. As Robin Williams so cleverly stated "Reality, What A Concept" and how that statement alone speaks to the facade of free will versus the harsh reality of it. Brilliant film and will remain one of the best ever made.
There are other films by Kubrick to watch such as, Barry Lyndon (1975) which is ‘the most beautiful movie of all time’ it won 4 academy awards, it is about a Irish guy becoming part of English nobility in the 18th century. From what I can tell you’ve already watched Full metal jacket, however there is another war film of Kubrick called Dr strangelove (1964), I consider this to be the best war film of all time. And finnaly eyes wide shut Kubrick’s last film, yet again another masterpiece.
Your ratings are fair. This is my favorite Kubrick film, but I totally get it’s not for everyone. The first half in particular can be difficult to watch, but I think it’s needed to drive home the point that Alex has literally no redeeming qualities. That way after undergoing the treatment, any correction in his behavior can be attributed solely to his lack of choice. This is also a film that gets better with subsequent viewings.
11:25 fun fact during the Ludovico treatment scene Malcolm, McDowell actually got one of his cornea scraped when those wires were being put into his eyes, but Stanley Kubrick kept rolling.
Hello from New York, and welcome back Tom! My mom took me to see this film when I was 13 at a college screening. Loved it. But keep in mind, like any Kubrick film, there's definitely a dark humor running through it. By embracing the absurd underlying humor, I think you can actually enjoy it more. And little bit of trivia - the big bodybuilder guy near the end of the film was David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.
Yeah, it’s a very funny movie in many ways. I often think of it as a dark comedy, though that’s not how I would describe it to someone who’s never seen it before.
I liked it when I first watched it 12 years ago and I would rewatch it a few times, but now years later having rewatched it a few months ago I really have totally new appreciation for A Clockwork Orange to the point that I'm currently reading the book. It was so much ahead of its time in so many ways. The music, the style, the set design. Just the way it still divides audiences today with the character of Alex. I also recommend watching American Psycho, and a new film I watched recently Peeping Tom.
For seven years I taught a high school film class here in middle America. Every. . .single. . .year I wanted to show this brilliant, nightmarish, and funny film. I never showed it. Too violent and too many bare breasts, though I think students would have sunk their teeth into the message of Who is in charge of our behaviors? Do we control ourselves or do we let The State control us? (And as for the violence and nudity -- well, the kids watch violence and nudity all the time, but we -- the teachers -- are suppose to pretend they don't.) However, I watch "Clockwork" at least once every year and still marvel at its audaciousness. Could have something to do with the fact I was 21 when this was released and as you may have heard, The Times They Were A Changin'. Thank you Stanley! You are STILL making waves!
Oh, that's a real London dialect they're speaking. Anthony Burgess had been told by his doctor he had 6 months to live so he wrote several novels, including this one, in quick succession. Then his doctor told him he had looked at the wrong chart and he was just fine. He went on to write "Earthly Powers " which is one of my favorite novels.
In the original novel ending, there is an epilogue where Alex forms a new gang after his brainwashing has been undone, but sees the 4th member of his original gang has become a family man, making Alex realize that he doesn't really enjoy the violence anymore, making him truly change when it does become his choice again.
in the book by anthony burgess there is a 21st chapter that was removed from the american edition and not included in this film where alex voluntarily chooses to become good and becomes disinterested in the violence and thuggery of his youth and chooses to create rather than destroy. the author believed that if alex could never change and truly choose good he was nothing but a clockwork orange after all. its about the nature of evil, a society derelict of goals or morals and the hedonistic children it produces and finally about maturity and of your own volition understanding morality and choosing good. its not 'simply' about free will.
Kubrick is one of the most interesting directors ever for a few reasons. First, he basically never revisited any genre a 2nd time outside of Full Metal Jacket being a 2nd war film. But he went from historical epic to slapstick comedy to pensive period piece to SFX extravaganze science fiction to horror to sexual thriller all throughout his career and just took these massive swings at things he'd never really tried his hand at before. Second, despite being a well known commodity as a director, the middle of his career he made 2 staggeringly low budget films that ended up being hugely culturally relevant classics, this and Dr. Strangelove. And most striking to me is that out of any director I can think of except perhaps Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, you will almost never get 2 people to list the same films of his as their favorites. For me it's Paths of Glory, Dr. Strangelove, this, and Barry Lyndon. Everyone else has a different order from me and from everyone. It's really unique what people get from his work and the qualities they think he has that makes him great despite everyone agreeing that he is, indeed, great.
This movie is one of my gotos. If it comes on i can turn the volume up and throw the remote controll across the room. Something about it. Its like one big piece of art and it draws you in everytime like you've never seen it.
Ah, "A Clockwork Orange". Not just my favourite movie of all time, but also a movie which I have a huge debt with it. To say it short: Before to watch this movie, a movie like me was just "A camera, actors and little bit else". After watch it... My world changed. I watched movies differently after that day.
FYI Malcolm actually suffered one eyeball scratched by the clamps in the movie sequence. And the big Muscle Guy at the old guys home was actually the guy who wore the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars.
@@someguy1098 we did like it, we rated it above a 7 😊 if we didn’t like it we would have rated it a 5 or below 😊 it’s just not as good as kubricks other films in my opinion
@@CinemaRules hahaha yeah that’s what I mean I’d hope you would like it even more ;) But it was interesting to see your thoughts, it’s no doubt a weird film that’s hard to grasp so it’s definitely not everyone’s favourite! Great video though as always, you guys have really developed a lot since I started watching you! Love your channel, keep it up ❤️❤️
its one of the classic kubrick movies and has its place in movie history. i was 12 when i first watched it and absolutely loved it. the music and the imagery , the shrill colours , kubrick has such style. i read the book when i was about 13 and i thought the movie adaption was pretty accurate. i watched most kubrick movies and they all have a special place i my heart, and its fascinating how i rate them personally over the years. as a kid i loved Full Metal Jacket , the Shining and Clockwork Orange, as a young adult "2001" topped the ranking and "Eyes Wide Shut" grew on me. now im almost 40 and i think Barry Lyndon is my favourite Kubrick movie.
Clockwork Orange is a very famous book. The story and ideas are the book’s story and ideas. The execution is Kubrick, a very unique Kubrick, as are all his films. Actually, I see a lot of this in The Shining. For another unique aspect of him, you need to watch Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, which is also from a novel.
My second favourite Kubrick movie, behind Dr. Strangelove. It's fantastic. A group of friends dressed up as the Droogs and I went as Alex for Halloween. Ah, to be sixteen again. Good to see you both.
Great to see you watching this. I agree that this is a piece of art. It's hard to judge it in the way you can judge a film made for entertainment. As you say, it isn't made to make you root for a hero and boo for a villain, and it isn't even concerned with having a very logical narrative or plot. For me, it's more about mood, atmosphere, images, sensations, ideas, and provocation. It creates an unsettling and powerful experience even in 2022. Imagine how powerful it felt in 1971, years before most of the other films on the channel had been released. Even Kubrick himself felt it was too challenging for the time, and withdraw it from circulation, which led it to take on even more of an iconic status as so few people were then able to see it. It's not my favourite Kubrick, but it definitely is an incredible piece of cinematic art.
Fun fact: the scene where Malcolm gets his eyes wide open with pins almost caused loss of his eyesight too and it almost injured his cornea doing that scene!!!
I can 100% appreciate and understand your review/rating. Very fair and thoroughly thought out 👍🏼I had a higher praise for this film the first few times I watched it
I consider the ending to mean that the programmers decided to immediately reward his negative impulses before he acted on them as the best way to control Alex. They did not revert him back to his previous mentality.
One of the things i love about this movie is how in contrast it is w/ itself (In a great way). How many movies can be one of the more disturbing movies and one of the funniest. How many movies can portray itself in such an over the top cartoonish sort of way, and yet also be so chillingly dark and serious at times. A movie that is so simple in execution and story (to the the point that some people understandably consider it a fault of the movie) yet in actuality so complex in nature, tone, and the ideas it conveys. That being said, that's just how i feel. I never fault anyone for watching it and either hating it or thinking it's just meh. Art strikes everyone in different ways and none of them are wrong. Great vid as always guys!
Every Kubrick film needs to be seen more than once before giving it a proper rating. Every one of them. I know it sounds pretentious as hell, but his filmmaking ability is that good. There were aspects of this movie I didn't fully appreciate upon first viewing. The flowery language that flew right over my head. The sort of anti-climactic final scene where Alex is being fed. But all of his movies, even the ones you may enjoy more right away...they are the gifts that keep on giving every time you watch them. 2001 and this, back to back, for me though, is the apex of his phenomenal body of work. Tackling probably the two most important themes of the human race - free will and the purpose of our existence...what we came from, what we are now and what will eventually become of us. Kubrick's ability to address those themes through this medium, which is aural and visual literature, the compositions of every frame, the use of music, the use of color, the editing techniques....needless to say, in my view, he is the director GOAT. To see his movies once is, to me, the equivalent of looking at a Rembrandt painting for just four seconds and thinking you have fully digested and appreciated the art. It just cannot be done. Give it some time, lads. Watch it again. Maybe read the novella while you are at it. That said, thanks for the reaction. 👍
@@elfboy29 I honestly think if you polled 1000 people who have seen all of Kubrick's movies, just as many would put Clockwork in their top 3 as would those in their bottom 3.
A Clockwork Orange is one of my favorite films, but I completely understand and respect that it's not everyone's cup of tea. Love your honest reactions.
I think a lot of people miss the point with this film. The whole Point is to ask the questions: How far do you take punishment? Does taking away free will make you Just as bad as them? Do you feel empathy for someone you know is a terrible person, like Alex? Technically the film *wasn't* banned. Kubrick himself withdrew it in England because he was getting Death threats by a bunch of hypocrites who ironically complained about the violence. When Kubrick died in 1999, Warner Bros re-released it in England.
First off I really like you & guys and your reaction and I know this movie isn’t for everyone but there’s stuff in this movie you completely don’t see to appreciate and seem totally focused on the point of the story. It’s a combination of the other aspects that make this such a classic. First off it’s an adaptation of classic literature with its unique vision of a future world. The language is hard to digest at first but sets it apart. The future/retro set design is fantastic. The Moloko bar sets. Great use of modernist and brutalist architecture and iconic landmarks of London. The choice of music is used to great effect, juxtaposing extreme violence with show tunes and classical compositions. The droogs are iconic with their look, somewhat comical but sinister. The eye clamp scene. The satire. McDowell’s performance. I admit the first time I saw it I didn’t fully appreciate it either but it has become a favourite with repeat viewings. Kubrick is my favourite director, his films, aside from being entertaining and largely original in their execution, have a lot to unpick and appreciate. You should try Barry Lyndon and Paths of Glory for more epic Kubrickness.
The question isn’t whether you can make someone good….the government wasn’t concerned with making him good, but just controlling and suppressing the violent behavior. The question is if it is ethical or moral to do this to someone, even someone as despicable as Alex. And, by the way, this is my favorite Kubrick film and has been in my top five since I saw it in 1972, and have seen it probably well over 50 times. I finally did the book on tape last year, and was surprised at how close the film followed the book. However, the book has one more chapter at the end, where Alex goes back to criminal ways and eventually grows out of his adolescent violent tendencies, repents, and takes up a normal, productive life.
I have a suggestion for a film. A British psychological thriller called *Exam.* It's about a group of candidates for a Job, in an exam. They're told there's One question to answer... But the papers all appear to be blank. They have to figure out what the question even is before time runs out and they start to turn on each other and it snowballs into violence.
It is a commentary also on the nature of good and evil and free will. If Alex cannot Choose to do wrong, are his actions actually Good? If Alex has no Choice is he even Human?
Malcolm McDowell has a lot of crazy stories about his time in the film--eg, he did almost drown during that outdoor tub scene, the nurse really jabbed him with a real needle (to get that reaction), etc. Also, the film has a lot of Kubrick regulars in it--eg, Alex's dad was also Grady, the previous caretaker in "The Shining," the writer in the wheelchair was the Chevalier in "Barry Lyndon," etc. Oh, & perhaps you didn't recognize that the bodybuilder was David Prowse aka "Darth Vader."
I met David when I was about 10, bugs me I hadn’t saw a clockwork orange then because now I’d have definitely asked him about his time with that more than Star Wars lmao
A lot of what you said is mental. Why would anyone have any reason to recognize a bodybuilder who isn't ever showing his face unless you track him down, which is weird in itself, let people be. And Kubrick was borderline insane. Who tortures their actors or put them in a bad position for a movie? Movies are fun and can be insipiring, but in any way you twist it, it's a distraction. All you need to understand the world is already in reality, if you need films to learn it's because you are distracted from reality. It's so bizarre when people treat actors and movies as something more than what they are
@@Gnossiene369 Because it's a well-known bit of movie trivia. Calm the fuck down lol.
@@Gnossiene369 I understand that Kubrick also tortured Shelly Duvall (mentally) while filming "The Shining."
Warren Clark was injured too. Quite a few times.
During the ludovico scene, alex is freaking out, not because he is dissonant with the beauty of the music and the reality of violence, it’s because he really enjoys classical music, and he doesn’t like that the drugs he is being given is making him averse to the music he loves
“I shouldn’t feel sick when listening to lovely lovely ludwig van”
To this day whenever I hear Singing in the Rain I can’t help but think of this movie. Malcolm McDowell is an incredible actor.
That's part of the effect of this movie. When reading the book, many of the words and phrases are completely foreign. So much so that there is a glossary included in the book. Reading is slow at first because you are constantly checking the meaning of the words. By the time you finish, you don't need to check because you have been conditioned to understand this new language. The character in the book, as well as you the reader, undergo similar treatment. Same with this film. Kubrick had to condition the audience in under two hours using visual and audible effects. Much of the score of this film will trigger your memory of the jarring scenes paired with the popular and classical music that was used.
Same. I cannot enjoy the song at all.
Malcolm told a great anecdote about being at a party and seeing Gene Kelly talking to someone across the room and he went up to speak to him, When Gene turned around and saw it was him he immediately walked away as he was deeply disturbed by how that song had been used in Clockwork.
It’s really ironic that it doesn’t remind you of the actual movie that it was from.
@@chellienippie2300 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'? Only joking. Agree. Take other people's memories and turn them around.
For the scene where Alex jumps out the window, Kubrick destroyed numerous cameras as he just kept throwing them out the window to get the shot he wanted.
Another fact - this film wasn’t allowed to be shown in the uk until 2000. Video stores all around the uk had so many requests for this movie they had to place signs in windows saying “No we do not have a clockwork orange”.
Interesting, but I do recall seeing this on 'pirated' video in 1990.
They used a single clockwork Newman-Sinclair camera totally encased in polystyrene except for a hole for the lens. This camera type was considered pretty robust already as it had been issued to WW2 combat cameramen. They dropped the camera several times but it didn't land lens down, which was what Kubrick wanted. Eventually it did land on the lens and broke it, but the camera body itself was still intact.
It wouldn't have made sense to not protect numerous cameras and just allow them to break because then the film would have been exposed to light and the take ruined anyway.
Kubrick took umbrage at the reception it got and demanded it was removed from circulation until his death. For years I had a VHS copy bought in Amsterdam with Dutch subs haha!
Interesting fact: UA-cam lists this movie as a "Comedy" you can rent or buy.
@@Lethgar_Smith It IS a comedy, it's a dark comedy. It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. The humor is almost South Park-like. I completely missed the humor on my first viewing, but totally got it on the second.
Over time this has become my favourite Kubrick movie. It’s relevance will never die.
This film is a cinematic masterpiece, and one of my personal favorite films of all time. It’s also much deeper than just a glossy, ultra-violent, nihilistic trope, and is often deeply misunderstood, even reviled. Unjustly so IMO. Here’s why:
This stunning masterwork’s actual intention is to serve as an intended catalyst to a much larger conversation. At its core, it’s a social commentary, a Sociological study, observation and analogy, a meditation even, on the very nature of good v. evil. It begs the question, what actually constitutes one or the other wholly? And who among us can actually act on or embody either wholly, accurately and completely? And further still, reach a universal consensus of what wholly constitutes either? Is anything truly and wholly just one or the other, or are people and situations merely shades of grey, with no one single person or situation fitting into one single category? Furthermore, can one even exist without the other? And how far is too far in the pursuit of the “good”? Where is the line that divides and decides, keeps those goodly pursuits from crossing over into actual evil disguised as good? Yet is it not only possible, but a proven fact, that at times and for some (or even all) among any given group or party of assembled “good” people, in the eye of a doing “good” storm, in pursuit of carrying out a “good” act, to become blinded by their own narcissism and unable to see the crossover when it happens? Failing to recognize that their methods in pursuit of the good have now gone into evil territory, have now gone too far?
How many times in recorded history has an assembly of “good” lost their grip on the very tenants of ‘“good”, and disillusioned yet driven by blind faith and belief, ego and narcissism, end up carrying out acts that when examined, actually constitute becoming the very thing they were attempting to stop in the first place? However what if the balance of the scales between the two are actually just an illusion also? When in reality, the scales are constantly in flux and never fully balance?
This is not just conjecture; these kinds of situations happen everyday and throughout recorded history. In politics and parliament. In organized religion. In the police force. In the corrections and justice system. In everyday life. It may have even happened to you, as either the doer OR the receiver. I mean, for example, they used to hang suspected witches, all in the Godly name of the good, the right and the true; all in the name of justice and religion. Now these many centuries later, we view those past acts as persecution and plain old murder, and banished those practices long ago. But back then, it was considered an act of “good” to drown, hang or burn those suspected of witchcraft; and although we now recognize the evil inside those previously viewed acts of “good”, it doesn’t erase the fact that it happened. And still happens in different forms to this very today.
I believe the point of the film is not to give absolutes about either good nor evil; but rather to make a bold statement that it’s the philosophical conversation regarding the two that is worth having. That must be had, if we ever hope to progress positively as a society.
I have read the book this film is based on. However, in what’s certainly a rare occasion, the film outshines and out performs the novel by light years. And Kubrick brings that important conversation to the forefront like a gut punch; it is a visceral, brave, unbound, powerful, visually stunning, and expertly acted and directed, one of a kind work of filmmaking genius. This is truly Kubrick’s finest, and most important film. And like American History X, Fight Club, Kids, It’s A Wonderful Life (I’m sentimental what can I say 🤷🏼♀️😂), and Get Out among others, it remains a film of social commentary begging to be examined and discussed, that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Glad you boys came ‘round, and settled in for some milk+, and a good ol’ helping of Kubrick’s ultra-violence 😉
Edit: Also, sorry I wrote so much. I love to write. And it seems I did just that here. 😂 If you don’t read it all, that’s cool and I understand. Apologies again. If you do, thanks and I hope you found it worth your time. 👍
First, congratualations to Tom for the baby and coming back to the channel. What a film to start-off for new daddy Tom!
It's funny you describe the character's portrayal in the film as rather horrific, as in the book Alex is 15 and even more depraved and maniacal.
However disturbing or upsetting you may find any part of this movie, it’s 10x more so in the book.
Edit: except for that bit with the device holding open his eyes. I also can’t stand stuff happening to peoples’ eyes.
I wish there was the scene where Alex gets beaten almost to death by the homeless man he beaten up earlier with the help from his gang
It was even worse for him because the device he worn is not supposed to be worn unless you are laying, so the actor lost his vision temporarily
1971 was such a controversial / brutal year in the movie history. Bunch of "ultra violent" films came out that year that defined movie violence for decades to come A Clockwork Orange was one of them and Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs, Don Siegel's Dirty Harry (starring Clint Eastwood), William Friedkin's The French Connection and Get Carter (starring Michael Caine) are couple other films to mention from that particular year. There're several articles and essays written about that year in cinema history so I'd pay really good attention to those films if you want to understand the development of film violence.
ahh the 70's. Good times
The movie Shaft
came out that year as well
Give it more chance. This movie grew on me the more I watched it
That’s the mentality we carry with us, we’re always open to having our mind changed, for the better or worse 😊
Same. I originally saw it in 1982, at the age of 14. I remembered it vividly & wasn’t really interested in watching it again, however I did end up watching it a few more times with friends, when I was in my 20’s & 30’s. It definitely grew on me after I’d seen it several times. While it’s a very disturbing film, there’s an underlying sardonic quality I didn’t catch the first time around.
@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Right? It's so weird how you don't notice just how funny the film is on first viewing.
It's not so much about multiple viewing, or the time period when someone first watches the movie. But more about being the type of person who is okay with and enjoys the movie's unique heightened reality and deliberately over the top performances, dialogue and style. I myself watched the movie for the very first time just a few years ago and instantly loved it's unique masterful film-making style from the first five minutes onward. I feel it's more about being the kind of person who either "gets it" and clicks with the vibe, or somebody who doesn't.
Thats excactly what happened. This movie gets better and better. You start to unserstand how genius Stanley is and how he had the balls to so something like this. Work of art
Heath Ledger based much of his interpretation of the Joker on Alex
I saw this when I was just turned 18, my first year in college. The imagery was so vivid, the action so extreme and unexpected, the contrast with the music do stunning, the odd slang and setting in a world of urban decay - i loved it. I remember a friend who saw it the night before me describing the murder scene: the main character attacking a woman with a giant phallus sculpture as she defended herself with a bust of Beethhoven- what? Yet there it was. I think this was an important film because it opened up what filmmakers could get away with - well, apparently not in the UK according to another comment. I don't think movies like Joker would have been possible if this hadn't been made.
It was only 13-14 years earlier that Powell and Pressburger made "Peeping Tom," a movie so distorting it pretty much ended their brilliant careers. But that allowed Hitchcock to know how far to go with Psycho.
BTW, the novel of this, by Anthony Burgess, is brilliant. He created the lingo the boys use, which he called "Nadsats", and was based on some nonsense and some Russian words, anticipating a particular direction for the Cold War. It was used much more extensively in the novel. The edition i read had a glossary in the back.
Anyway, I will still refer to eggs as "eggywegs" or say that I've got a "pain in me gulliver".
I went to an exhibition where they had the giant phallus art piece, it’s called “The Rocking Machine” by Herman Makkink
One of the most shocking and controversial movies of all time!
Nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture but lost to The French Connection.
@CLester No it's not, the French Connection is very boring and even though this doesn't mean the movie is bad, it's worth nothing, it spoils it's ending in the films poster too. In other words the only part of the movie where anything happens.
@CLester Agreed.
Agree also. The French Connection is a flawless masterpiece. I'd say Clockwork Orange is a flawed one.
You are NOT supposed to feel for the protagonist. He's a horrible person, but he makes for an interesting lens through which to experience life.
Exactly. The film is more focused on freewill as opposed to being controlled by a higher power, even if Alex's idea of freewill is r*pe and ultra-violence.
Kubrick 's approach was to show the character as it was ,rather portray his own viewpoint.He left it upto the audience. While obviously I didn't sympathise for Alex de large , The scenes where he is released from prison are also equally disturbing as the scenes where he wrecked havoc. The main question the film asks is whether it is right to change someone completely and how far are we willing to take it. Alex de large was a criminal but even he didn't deserve what happened to him. The way the movie shoes violence is almost cartoonish way is why I like it. It makes it unique and gives a very different look than other psychological films. Moreover I appreciate Kubrick deciding to make films on such difficult topics. It's definitely a film which makes you think rather than a simple "it's good" or "it's bad" film. Plus the cinematography and the set designs are absolutely breathtaking. The music and dialogue all iconic.
About the sets, I was always a little appalled by the veneer of ugliness over the ugliness of working-class British life, especially Alex's parents apartment. I am reminded of it in every interior scene in "Coronation Street".
I think the "meaning" of the film has been misunderstood. Alex wasn't brainwashed or "changed completely", he was simply prevented from acting violently. The film makes clear that Alex's sadistic urges never leave him. His conditioning simply stops him from acting. Arguably that is no worse than keeping someone in prison, or giving them a restraining order.
He deserved everything that happened to him
12:05 - "I hate anything to do with eyes"
Get this lad watching Zombi 2...
11:17 - matter of fact, the contraption used to hold his eyes open is meant for a patient to be lying down, because they had it upright for the scene, at one point it malfunctioned and scratched his cornea.
That’s horrible! Makes it even worse!!!
As I recall, his eyes were also harmed because they dried out, making the cornea scratch worse. Yes, even with the almost constant eyedrops.
I agree with your take on Alex, and your point of view about the film if you focus on the character, the protagonist, and his free will, and his sense of right and wrong, but I always find that it's also interesting to think about the setting, and all the other factors and their role, and their sense of right and wrong, whether it's the State, the Police, the Church, society in all different levels, individuals.
This is what I ultimately feel as well. Alex and the droogs aren't nearly as interesting as the society that created them.
Malcolm McDowell is a very respected and well renowned actor who has a long and extensive list of acting roles in everything from movies to series to games. If you want shock value check out Caligula. If you want drama check out "If...". If you want action, check out "Gangster no. 1". He's been in at least 84 movies. He is an awesome actor!
Gentlemen!!! What a joy to have you two together! Thank you. What a movie!
considering this movie is 50 years old, it still is confrontational in a way that is hard to face. Kubrik was a visionary. Additionally, McDowell plays a blinder, and the source material, the book, is arguably better imho.
Real Horrorshow
Yeah but Kubrik was also a bit of a nut
The book's a masterpiece. Books are always better.
Alex was supposed to get beaten up almost to death by the homeless man who had other elderly men in the gang.
@@larindanomikos I don't think that's strictly true, particularly movies based on short stories.
eg: I can't remember any of 'Supertoys last all summer long' which A.I was based on. I know people love to hate on that movie, but I thought it was very good.
The best time of life to see A Clockwork Orange is as a teenager. Right at the nexus of joyful chaos and new ideas, so that it's more of an experience than a mere thought experiment. I notice that people who see it later have much less of a visceral response, or even just see it as noisy, and go for cerebral interpretations.
I was going to comment this. I saw it when I was 15 in 1999, I was down a Kubrick rabbit hole and always wanted to see it.
"You haven't seen The Silence of the Lambs?!" Oh you HAVE to watch it Shaun! Hope you guys can get to that soon!
If it hasn't been said, the Muscle Man with glasses is David Prowse, better known as the physical body of Darth Vader.
The language dialect is called Nadsat and is a mixture of Russian and Romany, if memory serves, it is meant to parody the generational language gap that always happens. Kids have a kind of code language. The original text contains a glossary of translation of about 300 words or so.... i remember a few
Verily my Droog, I viddy
@@Greenwood4727 Eggy wegs with lomticks of toast, and nice glass of moloko plus
There's a lot of variations of Cockney rhyming slang mixed into it as well. Like when he says to Billy Bob 'In poison' = 'In person'. Or words like 'cutter' meaning 'money'. Or just 'viddy' meaning 'to look at'. But yeah a large sample of the words they use in this film and the book are just Russian words, like Rassoodock, Devotchka, and Sooka.
my favorite is horrorshow a deviation of hah-rah-sho = good in russian lol
in the book Alex was 15-16 years old. basically a vicious, teenage bully. no impulse control. the Joker was an older, more "mature" villain with a plan...
Barry Lyndon is a great and often overlooked Kubrick film. You'll notice that Kubrick had a few regulars in his movies. Alex's dad was the bartender/axe murderer in The Shining, The prison preacher is also in Barry Lyndon as an army officer.
A little trivia - David Prowse who played the bodybuilder manservant of the writer, was the man in the Darth Vader suit in the Star Wars movies
The final chapter of the novel was not adapted because Kubrick felt it was terrible.
The chapter is as goes: Alex returns to his life of crime with a new gang, only for him to realize that he doesn't feel the same thrill (if such a word can be described about how he feels about his crimes) in that lifestyle and decides he is going to change for the better.
In the context of the film, it does make more sense to leave the chapter out because it's a change in his character that comes out of left field, because his behavior and way of viewing the world are twisted. Leaving the implication that Alex will now be enabled by the same government that is trying to hide its corruption as a way to control their image is more terrifying; he will never change.
I freakin' LOVE this channel. You two specifically are so damn SHARP, funny and you give us an enjoyable reaction experience with your well timed commentary.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, and A Clockwork Orange books both came out around the same time in the early 60's. The movies also came out around the same time in the mid 70's. Anti-psychiatry messages.
I call those "idea films" concept movies. And yeah, I do think it's a masterpiece, but I totally get why you don't. Love your takes, guys :)
Your review is spot on. My favorite Kubrick films are PATHS OF GLORY, SPARTACUS, FULL METAL JACKET. Paths is a must see. (Note: at some point, be sure to watch TIME AFTER TIME. HG Wells (Malcolm McDowell) vs. Jack the Ripper (David Warner). PS It's really good to see you here, Tom.
- 16:10 - Julian, the huge guy that carries Alex...that's David Prowse aka Darth Vader (Prowse was the body, James Earl Jones was the voice).
That’s so cool!
15:15 "So the violent criminals became the Police."
In film as in life.
You are wrong about Malcolm McDowell he had a long and famous career. He was once a household name
This is definitely a movie almost everyone sees for the first time while in college in America. I rated it a 7/10 as well on my first viewing. I was 19-20 at the time and was definitely too young and hadn't enough life experience to fully appreciate it-- I wasn't accustomed to "disturbing" films yet. You're more taken aback by the shock value and by the bizarre atmosphere and tone to really "get" it. I avoided it for the next 7 years and forced myself to rewatch it and couldn't believe how I missed all the humor on first viewing. It's one of the funniest movies ever made. And the violence is conveyed in such an over-the-top way that makes it very amusing. Now, it's a 10/10 to me.
Also, "Clockwork" IS a sci-fi film, it's dystopian sci-fi. And definitely react to "The Silence of the Lambs". Also, are you guys ever gonna get back to your Best Picture Oscar run? You guys did, I think, 6 out of the 10 you originally proposed but haven't been on it for 8 months or more.
OMG I had exactly the same experience. I saw it when I was a teenager, like most people. I remember thinking it was incredibly beautiful, but I didn't really "understand" it, not on a deeper moral level. Having watched it again in my 40s I am now of the opinion that it's his best film and one of great works of art. It's far more "real" than I could have ever imagined.
I really appreciate and prefer your honest and even critical reactions, rather than sugarcoating your responses for views. I am in my 50s and it’s interesting to see the perspective of a different generation on these plot lines, and it’s a testament to these films that people are still talking about them all these years later. Keep up the good work!
Ahhh, yes! It's complete. Tom and Shaun. This was the best episode. I miss these guys together.
My favourite Stanley Kubrick movie ( The Shining & Full Metal Jacket come 2nd and 3rd respectively)
2:45 i get that! i feel that way about titanic. to this day i still haven’t watched it (but i obviously know some of the iconic scenes such as the “i’m flying” scene, the painting scene and the last scene) and honestly i don’t know if i’ll ever watch it lol
I don't think you're missing much by not watching Titanic.
@@E_l_l_i_e lol
Thanks (and welcome back), Tom! Thanks, Shaun! 🕰🍊 I've long loved A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)... and was thrilled to see it on the big screen, in a revival, a few years back in New Orleans.
Kubrik's take on satire is brilliant in ways that few can appreciate and, as expected, you two picked up on it. As Robin Williams so cleverly stated "Reality, What A Concept" and how that statement alone speaks to the facade of free will versus the harsh reality of it. Brilliant film and will remain one of the best ever made.
Fun fact - Julian (big guy in the short shorts) is Dave Prowse, aka Darth Vader
There are other films by Kubrick to watch such as, Barry Lyndon (1975) which is ‘the most beautiful movie of all time’ it won 4 academy awards, it is about a Irish guy becoming part of English nobility in the 18th century. From what I can tell you’ve already watched Full metal jacket, however there is another war film of Kubrick called Dr strangelove (1964), I consider this to be the best war film of all time. And finnaly eyes wide shut Kubrick’s last film, yet again another masterpiece.
So great seeing Tom next to you on the Couch again!! Still lovin' all iterations of Cinema Rules ❤! Keep the CR Goodness coming, in all its forms.
Malcom McDowell had his cornea scratched during the ludivico scenes. He wasn't acting tortured. He was tortured.
My top three Kubrick films are 2001, A Clockwork Orange, and Dr. Strangelove. Though they are all masterpieces.
Your ratings are fair. This is my favorite Kubrick film, but I totally get it’s not for everyone. The first half in particular can be difficult to watch, but I think it’s needed to drive home the point that Alex has literally no redeeming qualities. That way after undergoing the treatment, any correction in his behavior can be attributed solely to his lack of choice. This is also a film that gets better with subsequent viewings.
Great reaction guys. One of my favourite films ever. Big fan of your channel, keep it up!
11:25 fun fact during the Ludovico treatment scene Malcolm, McDowell actually got one of his cornea scraped when those wires were being put into his eyes, but Stanley Kubrick kept rolling.
Hello from New York, and welcome back Tom! My mom took me to see this film when I was 13 at a college screening. Loved it. But keep in mind, like any Kubrick film, there's definitely a dark humor running through it. By embracing the absurd underlying humor, I think you can actually enjoy it more.
And little bit of trivia - the big bodybuilder guy near the end of the film was David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.
Yeah, it’s a very funny movie in many ways. I often think of it as a dark comedy, though that’s not how I would describe it to someone who’s never seen it before.
I liked it when I first watched it 12 years ago and I would rewatch it a few times, but now years later having rewatched it a few months ago I really have totally new appreciation for A Clockwork Orange to the point that I'm currently reading the book. It was so much ahead of its time in so many ways. The music, the style, the set design. Just the way it still divides audiences today with the character of Alex.
I also recommend watching American Psycho, and a new film I watched recently Peeping Tom.
For seven years I taught a high school film class here in middle America. Every. . .single. . .year I wanted to show this brilliant, nightmarish, and funny film. I never showed it. Too violent and too many bare breasts, though I think students would have sunk their teeth into the message of Who is in charge of our behaviors? Do we control ourselves or do we let The State control us? (And as for the violence and nudity -- well, the kids watch violence and nudity all the time, but we -- the teachers -- are suppose to pretend they don't.) However, I watch "Clockwork" at least once every year and still marvel at its audaciousness. Could have something to do with the fact I was 21 when this was released and as you may have heard, The Times They Were A Changin'. Thank you Stanley! You are STILL making waves!
Oh, that's a real London dialect they're speaking. Anthony Burgess had been told by his doctor he had 6 months to live so he wrote several novels, including this one, in quick succession. Then his doctor told him he had looked at the wrong chart and he was just fine. He went on to write "Earthly Powers " which is one of my favorite novels.
the book's author Anthony Burgess also wrote the dialogue for a little seen Ron Perlman 1981 film called "Quest For Fire". Worth checking out.
He also wrote a stage play of A Clockwork Orange.
In the original novel ending, there is an epilogue where Alex forms a new gang after his brainwashing has been undone, but sees the 4th member of his original gang has become a family man, making Alex realize that he doesn't really enjoy the violence anymore, making him truly change when it does become his choice again.
I'm glad they didn't put that epilogue in the film- its more disturbing to leave it open-ended IMO.
in the book by anthony burgess there is a 21st chapter that was removed from the american edition and not included in this film where alex voluntarily chooses to become good and becomes disinterested in the violence and thuggery of his youth and chooses to create rather than destroy. the author believed that if alex could never change and truly choose good he was nothing but a clockwork orange after all. its about the nature of evil, a society derelict of goals or morals and the hedonistic children it produces and finally about maturity and of your own volition understanding morality and choosing good. its not 'simply' about free will.
We all have our personal preferences regarding films. Honesty is the best policy. Thank you for being honest.
A clockwork orange was parodied by the simpsons and family guy
"What a job..." 😂
FINALLY!! 🤷🏻♂️I always thought you all would make perfect droogs.
fun fact: the german band "Die Toten Hosen" made a song about Alex called "Hier kommt Alex" in 1988 and it was a big hit in Germany
Kubrick is one of the most interesting directors ever for a few reasons. First, he basically never revisited any genre a 2nd time outside of Full Metal Jacket being a 2nd war film. But he went from historical epic to slapstick comedy to pensive period piece to SFX extravaganze science fiction to horror to sexual thriller all throughout his career and just took these massive swings at things he'd never really tried his hand at before.
Second, despite being a well known commodity as a director, the middle of his career he made 2 staggeringly low budget films that ended up being hugely culturally relevant classics, this and Dr. Strangelove.
And most striking to me is that out of any director I can think of except perhaps Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino, you will almost never get 2 people to list the same films of his as their favorites. For me it's Paths of Glory, Dr. Strangelove, this, and Barry Lyndon. Everyone else has a different order from me and from everyone. It's really unique what people get from his work and the qualities they think he has that makes him great despite everyone agreeing that he is, indeed, great.
totally agree wit the favourite kubrick films, everyone has a different ranking,
It's inaccurate to say that Orange and Strangelove were "staggeringly low budget". They had budgets sufficient to the demands of the film.
Stanley Kubrick said the film was a satirical black comedy. It's okay to laugh, when watching it.
Haha hilarious reaction. Can't wait to hear your comments on Barry Lyndon.
Cheers 🍺
This movie is one of my gotos. If it comes on i can turn the volume up and throw the remote controll across the room. Something about it. Its like one big piece of art and it draws you in everytime like you've never seen it.
I probably rated it about a 7 the first time I watched it, now having seen it multiple times it has risen to a 9/10
Okay no you HAVE to react to The Prestige if you haven't seen it.
That said, I'm very pleased to see Clockwork Orange appearing on this channel.
Ah, "A Clockwork Orange".
Not just my favourite movie of all time, but also a movie which I have a huge debt with it.
To say it short: Before to watch this movie, a movie like me was just "A camera, actors and little bit else". After watch it...
My world changed. I watched movies differently after that day.
Oh my gosh you guys should watch silence of the lambs! Such a well done movie and it was the last film to win the big 4 at the Oscars!
Actually, the last film to win the big 5 at the Oscars: Film, Director, Actress, Actor and Adapted Screenplay.
Excellent philosophical arguments .👏 You'll enjoy this one for years to come.
The big man who draws Alex a bath when he arrives " Home " is the original Darth Vader.
Actor Philip Stone who plays the Dad in this movie played the waiter/caretaker Delbert Grady in The Shining, obviously another Kubrick film.
FYI Malcolm actually suffered one eyeball scratched by the clamps in the movie sequence. And the big Muscle Guy at the old guys home was actually the guy who wore the Darth Vader suit in Star Wars.
Getting this notification made my day!
Oh you didn’t like it :D
@@someguy1098 we did like it, we rated it above a 7 😊 if we didn’t like it we would have rated it a 5 or below 😊 it’s just not as good as kubricks other films in my opinion
@@CinemaRules hahaha yeah that’s what I mean I’d hope you would like it even more ;) But it was interesting to see your thoughts, it’s no doubt a weird film that’s hard to grasp so it’s definitely not everyone’s favourite! Great video though as always, you guys have really developed a lot since I started watching you! Love your channel, keep it up ❤️❤️
@@someguy1098 thank you for the support dude and sharing your thoughts and opinions, always good to see someone still watching and following us 😊
its one of the classic kubrick movies and has its place in movie history. i was 12 when i first watched it and absolutely loved it. the music and the imagery , the shrill colours , kubrick has such style. i read the book when i was about 13 and i thought the movie adaption was pretty accurate. i watched most kubrick movies and they all have a special place i my heart, and its fascinating how i rate them personally over the years. as a kid i loved Full Metal Jacket , the Shining and Clockwork Orange, as a young adult "2001" topped the ranking and "Eyes Wide Shut" grew on me. now im almost 40 and i think Barry Lyndon is my favourite Kubrick movie.
Strangelove?
i like it but it never was my favourite kubrick movie as it is with paths of glory and Lolita.
Clockwork Orange is a very famous book. The story and ideas are the book’s story and ideas. The execution is Kubrick, a very unique Kubrick, as are all his films. Actually, I see a lot of this in The Shining. For another unique aspect of him, you need to watch Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, which is also from a novel.
My second favourite Kubrick movie, behind Dr. Strangelove. It's fantastic. A group of friends dressed up as the Droogs and I went as Alex for Halloween. Ah, to be sixteen again. Good to see you both.
Great to see you watching this. I agree that this is a piece of art. It's hard to judge it in the way you can judge a film made for entertainment. As you say, it isn't made to make you root for a hero and boo for a villain, and it isn't even concerned with having a very logical narrative or plot. For me, it's more about mood, atmosphere, images, sensations, ideas, and provocation. It creates an unsettling and powerful experience even in 2022. Imagine how powerful it felt in 1971, years before most of the other films on the channel had been released. Even Kubrick himself felt it was too challenging for the time, and withdraw it from circulation, which led it to take on even more of an iconic status as so few people were then able to see it. It's not my favourite Kubrick, but it definitely is an incredible piece of cinematic art.
@ 15:56, the big guy carrying Malcom's character is David Prowse...aka Darth Vader (the actor in the Darth Vader outfit, not the voice...obs!!!)
A Clockwork Orange is my favorite movie
The story is supposed to be a dystopian future fiction akin to 1984
Fun fact: the scene where Malcolm gets his eyes wide open with pins almost caused loss of his eyesight too and it almost injured his cornea doing that scene!!!
I’d rate this 8.6/10. It’s fantastic.
Oh ai, ready for a bit of the old ultra violence is it?
I can 100% appreciate and understand your review/rating. Very fair and thoroughly thought out 👍🏼I had a higher praise for this film the first few times I watched it
I consider the ending to mean that the programmers decided to immediately reward his negative impulses before he acted on them as the best way to control Alex. They did not revert him back to his previous mentality.
One of the things i love about this movie is how in contrast it is w/ itself (In a great way). How many movies can be one of the more disturbing movies and one of the funniest. How many movies can portray itself in such an over the top cartoonish sort of way, and yet also be so chillingly dark and serious at times. A movie that is so simple in execution and story (to the the point that some people understandably consider it a fault of the movie) yet in actuality so complex in nature, tone, and the ideas it conveys. That being said, that's just how i feel. I never fault anyone for watching it and either hating it or thinking it's just meh. Art strikes everyone in different ways and none of them are wrong. Great vid as always guys!
Every Kubrick film needs to be seen more than once before giving it a proper rating. Every one of them. I know it sounds pretentious as hell, but his filmmaking ability is that good. There were aspects of this movie I didn't fully appreciate upon first viewing. The flowery language that flew right over my head. The sort of anti-climactic final scene where Alex is being fed. But all of his movies, even the ones you may enjoy more right away...they are the gifts that keep on giving every time you watch them. 2001 and this, back to back, for me though, is the apex of his phenomenal body of work. Tackling probably the two most important themes of the human race - free will and the purpose of our existence...what we came from, what we are now and what will eventually become of us. Kubrick's ability to address those themes through this medium, which is aural and visual literature, the compositions of every frame, the use of music, the use of color, the editing techniques....needless to say, in my view, he is the director GOAT. To see his movies once is, to me, the equivalent of looking at a Rembrandt painting for just four seconds and thinking you have fully digested and appreciated the art. It just cannot be done. Give it some time, lads. Watch it again. Maybe read the novella while you are at it. That said, thanks for the reaction. 👍
You say that but this one is a bit ropey compared to the others.
@@elfboy29 I honestly think if you polled 1000 people who have seen all of Kubrick's movies, just as many would put Clockwork in their top 3 as would those in their bottom 3.
The guy killed one person, raped another and putted that old dude on a wheelchair , but he's completely free at the end lol no redeem at all
A Clockwork Orange is one of my favorite films, but I completely understand and respect that it's not everyone's cup of tea. Love your honest reactions.
I think a lot of people miss the point with this film. The whole Point is to ask the questions:
How far do you take punishment? Does taking away free will make you Just as bad as them? Do you feel empathy for someone you know is a terrible person, like Alex?
Technically the film *wasn't* banned. Kubrick himself withdrew it in England because he was getting Death threats by a bunch of hypocrites who ironically complained about the violence. When Kubrick died in 1999, Warner Bros re-released it in England.
First off I really like you & guys and your reaction and I know this movie isn’t for everyone but there’s stuff in this movie you completely don’t see to appreciate and seem totally focused on the point of the story. It’s a combination of the other aspects that make this such a classic. First off it’s an adaptation of classic literature with its unique vision of a future world. The language is hard to digest at first but sets it apart. The future/retro set design is fantastic. The Moloko bar sets. Great use of modernist and brutalist architecture and iconic landmarks of London. The choice of music is used to great effect, juxtaposing extreme violence with show tunes and classical compositions. The droogs are iconic with their look, somewhat comical but sinister. The eye clamp scene. The satire. McDowell’s performance. I admit the first time I saw it I didn’t fully appreciate it either but it has become a favourite with repeat viewings. Kubrick is my favourite director, his films, aside from being entertaining and largely original in their execution, have a lot to unpick and appreciate. You should try Barry Lyndon and Paths of Glory for more epic Kubrickness.
The question isn’t whether you can make someone good….the government wasn’t concerned with making him good, but just controlling and suppressing the violent behavior. The question is if it is ethical or moral to do this to someone, even someone as despicable as Alex. And, by the way, this is my favorite Kubrick film and has been in my top five since I saw it in 1972, and have seen it probably well over 50 times. I finally did the book on tape last year, and was surprised at how close the film followed the book. However, the book has one more chapter at the end, where Alex goes back to criminal ways and eventually grows out of his adolescent violent tendencies, repents, and takes up a normal, productive life.
This film is also a sci-fi comedy by the way.
16:15 - Muscle man in red trunks is Dave Prowse, the man inside Darth Vader's suit.
I have a suggestion for a film. A British psychological thriller called *Exam.* It's about a group of candidates for a Job, in an exam. They're told there's One question to answer... But the papers all appear to be blank. They have to figure out what the question even is before time runs out and they start to turn on each other and it snowballs into violence.
The language they are speaking is called Nadsat
It is a commentary also on the nature of good and evil and free will. If Alex cannot Choose to do wrong, are his actions actually Good? If Alex has no Choice is he even Human?