Wednesday, September 1, 2010

A Clockwork Orange: A Very Controversial Movie

By Jerry Woodard

A Clockwork Orange first premiered in the United States in the early nineteen seventies as an X-rated cult film, which as you may guess, experienced a great deal of controversy, for both images and plot. For, while an outstanding piece of cinematography, the subject matter is not one many people can handle for as long as the film runs.

For, as when one watches the colorful criminality, racist and sexist themes within the movie, one must decide for oneself how one feels about the appropriate penalties such a person deserves, both on screen and off. For, sadly the events of this movie play out every day around the planet due to the rise in gang activity in many cities around the world. Therefore, while this movie portrays a slightly futuristic aspect with regards to such brutal criminal gangs, similar crimes remain on the rise today.

In fact, some have questioned whether this film had an impact on the development or popularity of gangs. However, as gangs have been around for much longer than the initiation of this film into society, the answer to that question is most likely, no. However, that does not mean individuals watching the movie may not repeat similar actions if associated in such behaviour. To this end, while it is a long film, it is also a rather violent one which some individuals have trouble tolerating. Therefore, one may want to be sure one can handle the type of images often displayed during such subject matter.

Although if one can handle the brutal violence and overall subject matter, then one can generally stay to the point where one sees a change beginning to occur in Alex. A change that is partially thanks to the experiences and partially due to receiving a get out of jail early option, that is as long as he goes to experimental treatment. Of course, given the choice, most hard core criminals would take experimental treatment over prison any day. However, in this case, one often finds that it may have been best to ask more questions before doing so.

Still, this is one movie that most individuals must analyze for oneself with regards as to whether the main character Alex is a villain or victim. This is because while crimes he committed were horrendous, others have also intervened with his destiny by placing him in an experimental program, somewhat beyond his control. However, he did have a choice as to whether to serve the fourteen years jail time, or accept treatment, which most anyone would do if it means escaping jail to pay the price for crimes one has committed. Therefore, the answer to this question becomes more complicated over time and one each individual must answer for oneself.

With regards to Karma, the writer plays a very active role in defining how gangs can be a drawback to life. The writer also portrays a good example of how only caring about lust and money can drive one insane. In addition, by swirling toward the end of the movie by providing characters from the beginning, one is drawn to the conclusion that the current experiences Alex is going through are all based in Karma. Regardless, the question remains as to whether such imprisonment, torture and treatment were good or bad for Alex in the future.

Therefore, one need also look at the other ways in which Karma can effect one in life while watching the film. For example, in one situation, the movie keeps returning Alex to his past, over and over again during recovery, which no doubt can also hold one back from healing. Thus, always returning Alex to a point where he had betrayed someone or invaded their home, often beyond their will. At one point, it appears one such individual does not remember Alex, until later when realizing he and his wife had been attacked by him and his gang. Often, many individuals discover that it is the these quieter moments in this film that are the most powerful with regards to communicating a message to the audience about good and evil or right and wrong.

To this end, there are a lot of valuable lessons which can be learn from A Clockwork Orange about crime, gangs and Karma, all of which play a vital role in the universal laws of reality. For, whether one believes in Karma or not, generally one gets back the energy one gives out. To this end, most individuals have good and bad days. However, it is those individuals who take it to the next level and take their frustrations out on the innocent which are the ones most commonly effected by Karma and other such ideologies. - 40729

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment