HOME INDEX ARCHIVES FALL 98 SPRING 98 SPRING 99

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE TICKS AGAIN By Mary Grodio For the first time in nearly 30 years director Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange is back in movie theaters throughout England. After receiving much critical controversy over its content during its original release in 1971, the film was taken out of theaters. The ban was self-imposed by Kubrick and lifted 27 years later, upon his death. The setting of the fictional film takes place in 2001 and depicts an entire societal break down. Many of the scenes include graphic violence and sexual misconduct. Sarah Whelan, resident of Sheffield who has already seen the film, said she supports the re-release of the once controversial cinema. She also said that restrictions should be enforced so that children cannot enter theaters to view the disturbing content of the film. "It is good to see because societies could really turn out like that," said Whelan. "But it is not a very nice film to watch, so they (theater managers) should not let children in to see it." Whelan is not the only one who supports A Clockwork's re-entry into theaters. Leanne Westley, resident of Shrewsbury and student at Trinity and All Saints College said she is looking forward to seeing Kubrick's film for the first time. "I think it is good it's coming out again," said Westley, "Obviously I did not get a chance to see it the first time it came out and I would like to see it." Kubrick's film is based on the book written by Anthony Burgess and focuses on the violent disposition of Alex, the main character, played by Malcolm McDowell. Columnist Alexander Walker of The Evening Standard describes the film as depicting a society that has lost its humanity. "A baroque sensation is a norm. A baroque sensationalism is the norm," said Walker, "Sexuality has been separated from feeling." Running 136 minutes, A Clockwork Orange made its way back into theaters on Friday March 17.