Author and film historian Sloan De Forest joins to discuss Stanley Kubrick's A CLOCKWORK ORANGE starring Malcolm McDowell. The 1971 dystopian science fiction film based on Anthony Burgess's novel follows a British teen Alex DeLarge and his gang of Droogs committing ultra-violence in a not-so-distant future. When convicted of a brutal murder, Alex is given an opportunity to submit to an experimental behavioral treatment, leading to unpredictable psychological damage. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE sparked controversy upon its release, some critics praising its visionary world-building, others decrying its depiction of rape and murder as irresponsible. Though labeled with an "X" rating, CLOCKWORK proved to be a box office hit and Best Picture nominee. After a series of alleged copycat crimes took place, the film was made unavailable in the UK for nearly three decades, but that only strengthened the film's reputation as a transgressive and singularly powerful work. On this episode, we take a long look into CLOCKWORK's artistry and infamy, as well as diversions into Working Girl, The Searchers, The Sopranos, Star Trek Generations, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Franklin & Bash, and much, much more!
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE is currently available to stream with subscription to HBO Max.