A Clockwork Orange (1971) Written by: Anthony Burgess Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

   

     One of my all time favorite films! Director Stanley Kubrick really nails this film, based on the book by Anthony Burgess. Filled with iconic sets, fantastic wardrobes, crazy camera action shots, a bit of the ol' ultra-violence, this film has stood the test of time and is definitely a true cult classic!

     Malcolm McDowell plays Alex, your main character, lover of Beethoven, and humble narrator. Alex is a fine young chap living in London where he and his merry band of drooges like to take part in many entertaining activities, like rape, beatings, drinking at the Korvo Milk Bar, and even murder.

     This is a story about karma at its finest. You have this gang of four young teens, lead by Alex, who enjoy terrorizing all who come into their path. Eventually, Alex and company invade the home of an older couple where they rape and kill the wife and leave the husband paralyzed. Alex is left, betrayed, by his droog brothers, and promptly arrested.

      While in custody, Alex is sentenced to a type of re-wiring. He is strapped to a chair, his eyes forced to remain open while he is subjected to continuous visions of differing types of violence. He is given some type of medication, via eye drops, as he is subjected to this. Eventually, just the sight of violence makes him physically ill to the point of vomiting.

     Soon, thereafter, Alex is deemed rehabilitated and released to his parents. As Alex reasserts himself into the world, he finds that many things have changed. Two of his former friends have gone from gang members to corrupt policemen, who use their positions to beat Alex. He is also accosted by those he has wronged in the past. Finally, Alex finds himself seeking shelter after his beating, and he wanders to the home that he had invaded earlier. While the man living inside doesn't immediately recognize Alex, he invites him in to care for him. While in the bath, Alex begins signing, "Singing in the Rain", which happened to be the same song he song while beating and raping the hosts wife.

     Alex's fate lies in the hands of the man who's wife Alex had killed. Will your humble narrator survive this "chance" encounter? What are the lengths that karma will extend? Not recommended for anyone under 16. Great film!!!!