Taking place in a dystopian future, we follow Malcolm McDowell as Alex DeLarge, a sociopathic teenager with a fondness for classical music and ultra-violence. After being arrested for murder following a botched robbery, Alex eagerly volunteers for an experimental aversion therapy because it will reduce his 14-year prison sentence to just two weeks. Unfortunately, the treatment leaves him vulnerable to those who want revenge or seek to use him for political means.
They say that protagonists should be likeable, and if not likeable then compelling. Alex certainly isn't likeable, as his actions are reprehensible and his motivations are shocking; he doesn't go on his nightly crime sprees for money or any physical rewards, but because he loves to do wrong. So, how is he compelling? Well, it's intriguing that someone his age is doing all this horrible stuff, but also knowing how much he's enjoying it.
I might even dare to say that he's sympathetic post-treatment. That's the overarching theme of the movie; choice. Alex wasn't forced into the life of ultra-violence. He chose it. However, the treatment he receives would render him incapable of choice. That's the meaning of the title: an organic being incapable of making choices.
Characters aside, the bizarre visuals make a great setting, combined with the classical soundtrack. Put it together, and you get some real horrorshow cinema.
No comments:
Post a Comment