Director: Stanley Kubrick
United Kingdom, 1971
2 hrs 16 mins
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Michael Bates, Adrienne Corri, Patrick Magee
English language, no subtitles
Age rating: 18+
Tickets available through Odeon Cinema Stavanger
Please note: Cinemateket screenings are advertisement-free, so please arrive on time.
A Clockwork Orange, based on Anthony Burgess’s 1962 novel of the same name, has been controversial since its release and still retains the power to provoke. The film follows the ultra-violent teenager Alex and his ruthless gang. It presents an ethical dilemma: humanity’s freedom to choose between good and evil actions. Backed by science, the authorities introduce a new treatment for criminals known as the Ludovico Technique. The method causes intense pain whenever violent behaviour is attempted.
Much of the criticism surrounding the film has focused on its violence. The reluctance of censorship authorities was also likely influenced by the film’s satirical attacks on authority figures and institutions of every kind. Another aspect that makes A Clockwork Orange distinctive is the way it draws viewers into Alex’s perspective on life. The audience is meant to root for Alex, making it necessary to share in his punishment later.
