A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange

Year: 1971

Runtime: 136 min

Language: English

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Sci-FiDramaThrillerCrime

In a chilling dystopian future, a charismatic delinquent named Alex leads a gang of droogs in a reign of ultra-violence. After being captured, he volunteers for an experimental aversion therapy program intended to reform him. This controversial treatment leaves him unable to commit violent acts, but also strips away his free will, turning him into a "clockwork orange"—a person who appears reformed but remains inherently flawed. The film explores complex themes of morality, free will, and the potential dangers of societal control.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Clockwork Orange (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Futuristic, unspecified

The movie unfolds in a futuristic society plagued by youth delinquency and moral decay. During this time, social and governmental control are challenged, leading to controversial treatments and experimental programs aimed at reducing crime. The film critiques the extremes of behavioral conditioning and the loss of free will in an increasingly authoritarian society.

Location

London, Korova Milk Bar, countryside, secluded home

The film is set in a dystopian version of London, characterized by its bleak and oppressive atmosphere. The Korova Milk Bar, where the protagonist and his gang gather, is notorious for serving drug-laced milk, attracting a violent youth subculture. The surrounding countryside serves as a contrasting backdrop to their chaos, highlighting the tension between urban life and nature. A secluded home becomes the stage for one of the film's most heinous acts, illustrating the invasion of private spaces by a destructive force.

🏙️ City 🍶 Bar 🌳 Countryside 🏡 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Main Characters – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Meet the key characters of A Clockwork Orange (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell)

Alex is a charismatic and violent delinquent who thrives on chaos and pleasure. His personality is marked by a sociopathic disregard for others, and he finds joy in inflicting pain. Despite his charm, Alex is deeply flawed, representing the darker side of human nature.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Protagonist 🎸 Charismatic 💀 Sociopath

Frank Alexander (Patrick Magee)

Frank is a victim of Alex's brutal past, representing the consequences of violence on innocents. As a writer, he embodies the intellectual struggle against the societal collapse around him. His character illustrates themes of revenge and the haunting aftermath of trauma.

📚 Victim 💔 Traumatized ⚖️ Seek Justice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Major Themes – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Explore the central themes of A Clockwork Orange (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔫 Violence

A prevalent theme throughout the film, violence is portrayed as both a form of rebellion and a path to control. The protagonist, Alex, revels in violent acts which reflect his deep-seated impulses and societal influences. The film examines how violence can distort humanity and the moral fabric of society.

🎭 Free Will vs Control

A central conflict of the narrative is the struggle between free will and external control. Through Alex's experience with the Ludovico Technique, the movie raises questions about the morality of using radical methods to suppress human behavior. Ultimately, it explores whether true rehabilitation is possible under oppressive systems.

🎶 Pleasure in Sadism

The film intricately connects Alex's love for classical music, particularly Beethoven, with his sadistic tendencies. Music serves as both a source of pleasure and a psychological torment, reflecting the duality of beauty and brutality within his character. This theme underlies his identity, inviting viewers to confront their own interpretations of savagery.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Unlock the Full Story of A Clockwork Orange

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Clockwork Orange in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Clockwork Orange is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Clockwork Orange Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Clockwork Orange, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Clockwork Orange Summary

A Clockwork Orange Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Clockwork Orange with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Clockwork Orange Timeline

More About A Clockwork Orange

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Clockwork Orange: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Clockwork Orange

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