Why 'A Clockwork Orange' Continues to be Disturbing

No, you are not alone in finding A Clockwork Orange to be one of the most infamously disturbing movies ever made, and indeed, its disturbing nature is probably exactly what the creators intended. While many consider the movie shockingly unsettling, personal opinions on what is disturbing can vary widely. For instance, while chocolate might be universally enjoyed, many find modern pop culture, including Nicki Minaj, TikTok, and Instagram, to be disturbing. A Clockwork Orange, on the other hand, was meant to provoke thought and discomfort, exploring themes relevant to its time and raising questions that are still pertinent today.

The Meta-Question: Are You Alone in Finding It Disturbing?

Do you, like me, find A Clockwork Orange to be disturbing? According to my psychiatrist, who was on the censorship board, the movie disturbed her, warning me before I watched it. This might be a common sentiment: the movie is intentionally unsettling, designed to challenge our views and provoke discussion about the use and misuse of power, agency, and morality.

Disturbing Intentions Behind the Film

The film, originally introduced in the 21st movement (missing from early American editions and thus often omitted in the film adaptation), is a masterpiece of psychological and societal critique. On one hand, it delves into the disturbing world of a corrupt government experimenting with an inhumane technique to render violent criminals helpless through brainwashing. On the other, it focuses on the opposition's exploitation of this same technology, attempting to use the protagonist as a pawn to demonstrate the government's cruelty. Furthermore, the victims themselves can be seen as complicit in this manipulation.

Unreliable Narrator and Alex

It's essential to remember that you are not supposed to like Alex. He is introduced as a cold, unfeeling, and violent young man (he is only 15 when his gang betrays him, and he goes to adult prison). Malcolm McDowell, while an excellent actor, was somewhat elderly for the role, which might contribute to the character's age discrepancy. Before his imprisonment, Alex is portrayed as a rapist and a product of a disturbed environment. This, combined with the experimental brainwashing technique, makes his transformation even more disturbing. After his release from prison, he faces a dystopian existence, once again being used for political and social manipulation. The entire ordeal is a far cry from anything considerate or easy to digest.

Palmírek and the Dystopian World

Palmírek, the character who creates the Ludovico technique, is the embodiment of the corrupted society that manipulates its own citizens. His initiative to ''tame'' violent individuals is based on the manipulation of free will, human agency, and moral choice. The technique itself, which involves exposing the subject to classical music while rendering them physically ill through nausea, is not only scientifically dubious but also utterly inhumane. This dystopian society is one where freedom and individual rights are eroded, and individuals are reduced to pawns in larger political games.

In conclusion, A Clockwork Orange is a film that continues to be disturbing precisely because of its ability to challenge our perceptions and moral standards. Its exploration of power, manipulation, and the human condition makes it a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today, provoking discussion and reflection on the nature of society and the individual.