Clockwork Orange definitely tops the list as one of the most strangest and eeriest movies I have seen, but it’s creepy overall effect is an effective way to grab attention and insight thematic ideas. Starting with the beginning scene, we are showed 4 teens in a setting where they pursue rape and violence as a joyful spectacle. However, the change in mood when the leader Alex wakes up to his mom at home, contrasts greatly from the brutal beatings of the homeless man and the raping and murdering of a lady in front of her husband. Alex’s parents are very soft spoken and in a way are paranoid of the life setting they live in due to society. The society’s poverty is shown through the homeless people and scavengers which causes people like the main characters act on their desires, even if it is goes against law, is inhumane or even immoral.
The different incorporation of sex symbolism, death and religion is shown throughout the movie in various scenes and props. The 4 member crew are shown to have red blood stained dots on their body as if they were crucified. Jesus is said to be the savior of people but yet he was still killed. The blood stains could be an interpretation of the rejection of the beliefs in religion. As the young are rejecting the values that are supposed to be deemed good, the world is further worsening. The Orwellian cause and effect relationship can be shown in societies hardship which leads to adults neglecting kids and these neglected kids are only furthering the societies down fall.
The play on the roles of society and the roles of parents are key in analyzing Alex. The society is danger; usually robbers lurking at night. To get by in this environment, Alex lead a crew but the crave for power and desire created the person who only cared about what he thought. After Alex was released from jail not only did no one unconditionally wanted to associate with him, but his past crew and victims are targeting him while he is helpless. The last scene where he is dreaming of the erotic fantasy even though he was conditioned not too is alluded to the fact that laws and governments may not always be correct.
-Zachary Losak
I think that last scene, where Alex was at last ‘fixed’ and dreaming of an erotic fantasy is more of a comment on the individuals ability to change. Change was forced upon Alex, he was tortured and conditioned, like a lab rat, until he met the standards of the government. However, people are not like animals. Change isn’t something that can be forced.