Why is A Clockwork Orange considered great?
A few months ago I decided to watch A Clockwork Orange, as I was only inspired by its IMDB ratings and reviews and the generally high public opinion about the movie. So I was expecting a great movie. I won't lie, but it seldom happens that I cannot tolerate at least the first half of a movie, but in this case, it happened. I couldn't watch it more than 30 minutes, and those 30 minutes I was wondering what is the story, why is this nude and violent. It felt overly violent and sexually explicit to me in the first half hour and I couldn't see how those aspects contributed to the story. This movie made my mind go crazy and irritated like no other movie, not even A serbian movie.
So I'd like to know why it is regarded such a masterpiece. Or does it take a drastic change after 40 minutes or something which I missed and should I give it one more try, which I am very reluctant to? Or did I just miss something about it that better explains how those to me rather repelling aspects of the movie contributed to its quality?
Best Answer
There are many reasons, probably too many to list. But here are a few to start (although without citation)
- it presents a credible but bleak vision of the near future
- the scenes of violence are brutal, yet also choreographed as well as any dance scene (and with perfectly matching music, too)
- the character arc of the protagonist as he goes from thug to victim to political pawn (you actually feel sorry for him)
- the sly humorous digs at bureaucracy
- the gorgeous cinematography
- in fact, the use of classical music throughout to set tone (I know, it's not even the first Kubrick movie to do this, but it is a great exemplar of this technique)
That said, it is not for everyone. Don't force yourself to watch it if you aren't enjoying it.
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Why is Clockwork Orange considered a masterpiece?
Even the disturbing scenes aren't gratuitous and serve a purpose to the story. Every element\u2014the costumes, dialogue, performances, cinematography, music, set design, and locations\u2014is compelling. This is why fans and critics alike take the film so seriously.What is the main message of A Clockwork Orange?
Freedom of Choice. The freedom of individuals to make choices becomes problematic when those choices undermine the safety and stability of society, and in A Clockwork Orange, the state is willing to protect society by taking away freedom of choice and replacing it with prescribed good behavior.Is Clockwork Orange a masterpiece?
A Prophetic and Violent Masterpiece. Linguistically inventive, socially prophetic, and philosophically profound, A Clockwork Orange comes very close to being a work of genius.Was A Clockwork Orange successful?
While its initial sales were low, A Clockwork Orange became a huge success after the release of Stanley Kubrick's 1971 film adaptation, which adhered to the American version of the novel without its final redeeming chapter.A Clockwork Orange - What it all Meant
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