John Anthony Burgess Wilson wrote this classic piece of literature which college students and A.P. high school students are reading today. The novel is about a young man named Alex who wants to break free from his evil ways by going through an experiment. I thought the narrative was better told than the movie was, but both sources make a great compilation pack. I don't think Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest filmmakers in the world--I don't believe in the hype. But I do adore his work and love all his achievements. Mr. Kubrick is a risky director who takes his audience on a compelling journey through darkness without a light bulb or flashlight for guidance. This film is a brutal & dangerous film for anyone that dares to watch it.

When "A Clockwork Orange" was initially released in 1971, America was going through tough times. We were in our second decade of Vietnam; there were riots and spontaneous violence plaguing the streets; a vicious cult leader, Charles Manson, was going on trial; and the drug scene and music scene was a getaway for many of that generation. It was perfect timing for this movie to come out when it did. It's funny how reality and entertainment can intervene. But if you view the film again you can see how this film and novel can work on today's society and the judicial system. The story of a convict trying to rehabilitate himself is a timeless tale. Mr. Burgess and Kubrick were ahead of their time--or maybe it they understood that violence is man's nature; it can't ever vanish entirely from man's world.

"A Clockwork Orange" is a controversial movie and it is disturbing and edgy, but even if you hate the movie you have to acknowledge Malcom Mcdowell's utterly brilliant performance. His role in the movie made the film and I don't think any other actor could ever reach his ugly, witty, and powerful talent. Plus he also ruined my favorite all-time musical, "Singin' In The Rain."

Stanley Kubrick adapted a novel which is violent and it is hard for me to imagine what other director could take us to this level. His whole vision of the flick is haunting until the final reel. But you cannot deny how this film or novel influenced filmmakers today, from Speilberg, John Woo, Tarantino, Oliver Stone, Kar Wai Wong, to Kim Ki-Duk, just to say a few. The novel and film also changed how the media is responsible for elevating hard boiled killers or serial killers to celebrity status. Plus, without this sick movie, we wouldn't get films or entertainment today such as "Hostel", "Audition", or Al Pacino's "Scarface". Also with the launch of GTA4 last week you can't help yourself but think of films that changed our society today, and "A Clockwork Orange" is one of those movies that influenced filmmakers all over the world. Violence is loud and you can't help to acknowledge it because there is no way of hiding it.

I am giving this film 5 stars not for its entertainment value, because there is none, but simply for its breakthrough in cinema. And another thing about Kubrick movies: you can't be forced to watch them, you just have to stumble upon them and be intrigued.