5. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange is based on Anthony Burgess’ 1962 novella of the same name. The novella has become widely known as one of the most depressing and violent works of literature. The film follows a sociopathic gang leader, Alex, and the numerous horrific crimes he and his gang commits. From beating on the helpless elderly, to crippling a man and then sexually assaulting his wife, it appears as though the makers of this film didn’t even know the meaning of censorship.
What may have been even more controversial was the film’s portrayal of psychological treatment. In hope of curing Alex of his violent ways, he is strapped to chair with his eyelids propped open and forced to watch violent images while listening to classical music. A Clockwork Orange is a film that on the surface appears to glorify violence, but Kubrick is too smart a director, and A Clockwork Orange is too deep a film to be judged merely by what horrific violence lies at its surface.
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