I watched Clockwork Orange for the first time the other day, having felt guilty for years that as a former film major and avowed movie buff I have never seen this classic movie. All I can really say, is what a bunch of hype! The first half of the movie I felt as if I was watching some kind of snuff film. The second half, though still not really involving, at least felt like it had a story and something to say. I can only assume that it is the second half of the film and its message regarding government control that raised this film to classic status. If the film has reached this status based merely on the first half with its shocking images of violence and sex - usually hand-in-hand - then that is truly a sad commentary on our society!
I also felt like the acting in the movie was not all that great. Emotions seemed to be conveyed mostly by yelling. This struck me more than once during the film and made me cringe as much as any of the violent scenes.
Overall, despite its iconic status, Clockwork Orange is not a movie I would recommend.
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First of all, good to see your blog! I happen to like the movie, but I would be remiss if I didn't recommend you read the book, which is not nearly so full of stylized violence, and is really more like Lord of the Flies mixed with socialism.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I have to think that the movie is ABOUT stylized violence and the ways that violence is so inherent in the system--even in the ways that the government tries to prevent violence.
Just my opinion! Franz
Well, I guess somebody has to like it for it to be a classic! :-) The message, for me, was all that really redeemed the film, and I do think you wait too long for that message to materialize. Just not my druthers... What can I say, I really think I lean toward the more "popcorn" films. (I also tend to not be a big Kubrick fan in general.)
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