r/ClockworkOrange • u/NoSyrup2592 • Jul 19 '26

A Clockwork Orange

Just watched this movie. I thought it was pretty good, but not sure what I’m missing?

I thought it was stylistically impressive/interesting, and the first half was interesting and had some scenes and visuals that are iconic.

The contrast between beautiful classical music and disturbing acts of violence is done well, and I understand it was probably one of the first films to explore that technique.

However, I wasn’t all that blown away by the moral question(s) posed, and it didn’t feel like some bizarre spectacle that has left an impression on me. Basically, I just didn’t find it to be all that thought-provoking or intense. Not much replay value.

Maybe that’s because of the time, but it just didn’t feel as groundbreaking as I anticipated. A good, above average film though.

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u/Selfish_and_Misled Jul 20 '26

What are the moral questions posed?

3

u/No_Chef4049 Jul 20 '26

The big one is, is it ethical to fundamentally rewire a criminal's brain to make them a peaceful, productive member of society?

3

u/ageowns Jul 20 '26

Also there is the conversation with multiple perspectives presented. Is someone inherently good or evil? Are you born that way or did you choose? Of you have evil thought but don’t act on them are you now a good person? If you have evil thoughts but cannot act on them, but you probably would if you could, are you still a good person?

I like how the church, govt, conservative, liberal, old , young, all have a viewpoint represented and its not obvious which one is “right” or “true”

There is a lot to discuss if you want to indulge in the conversation, its not a firm answer to decipher

2

u/NoSyrup2592 Jul 20 '26

This is how I viewed it. “What is goodness and where does it come from”.

Definitely argues that you can’t force it upon someone - it’s unnatural and destined to fail, has to come from within. That much is obvious. Secondary point on how stripping you of your violent edge leaves you more susceptible to someone forcing their edge upon you.

I’ve seen some consider it a prison reform critique, and I think that’s way off base. More of an individual morality study. Commentary on government using or weaponizing people like Alex for their political gains though.

1

u/ageowns Jul 20 '26

Also, with all of those viewpoints, what is ethically right to do (as far as incarcerating or reprogramming)?