A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick's savage and visionary dystopian masterpiece remains one of cinema's most provocative and enduring works.
A Clockwork Orange - Movie Information
- Original Title: A Clockwork Orange
- Release Year: 1971
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Crime
- Age Rating (US): NC-17
- Runtime: 2h 17m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 28, 1971 (Israel), February 2, 1972 (United States - NC-17), January 11, 1972 (United Kingdom - 18), March 22, 1972 (Germany - 16), May 15, 1972 (France - 18), February 10, 1972 (Australia - R 18+), August 22, 2014 (Brazil - 16), January 22, 1974 (Mexico - C), September 7, 1972 (Italy - VM 18), June 16, 1975 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Kellopeliappelsiini (FI)
- Production Companies: Hawk Films, Polaris Productions Limited
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
A Clockwork Orange - Plot
In a near-future Britain, young Alexander DeLarge and his pals get their kicks beating and raping anyone they please. When not destroying the lives of others, Alex swoons to the music of Beethoven. The state, eager to crack down on juvenile crime, gives an incarcerated Alex the option to undergo an invasive procedure that'll rob him of all personal agency. In a time when conscience is a commodity, can Alex change his tune?
A Clockwork Orange - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Stanley Kubrick's landmark dystopian film:
Being the adventures of a young man whose principal interests are rape, ultra-violence and Beethoven.
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A Clockwork Orange - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stanley Kubrick
Main Cast
- Malcolm McDowell
- Patrick Magee
- Carl Duering
- Michael Bates
- Warren Clarke
- James Marcus
- Michael Tarn
- Miriam Karlin
- Adrienne Corri
- Sheila Raynor
Writers
- Stanley Kubrick
Producers
- Stanley Kubrick
A Clockwork Orange - FAQs
Where can you watch A Clockwork Orange?
A Clockwork Orange is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It is not currently included in any major subscription streaming library in the United States, so a digital rental or purchase is the easiest option.
Is A Clockwork Orange based on a book?
Yes. A Clockwork Orange is based on Anthony Burgess's 1962 novel of the same name. Stanley Kubrick adapted the story for the screen, drawing heavily from Burgess's dystopian vision and invented slang language called Nadsat, while making notable changes to the novel's final chapter.
Why was A Clockwork Orange banned in the UK?
Stanley Kubrick himself requested that Warner Bros. withdraw the film from UK distribution in 1973, following intense controversy and reports linking copycat crimes to the film's violent content. It remained effectively banned in Britain for nearly 27 years, until Kubrick's death in 1999 allowed its re-release.
Who plays Alex in A Clockwork Orange?
Malcolm McDowell plays Alex DeLarge, the charismatic and deeply disturbed protagonist. His performance is widely considered one of cinema's most iconic and unsettling portrayals of a villain-antihero. The role defined McDowell's career and remains a benchmark for transgressive screen acting.
What is the Ludovico Technique in A Clockwork Orange?
The Ludovico Technique is a fictional aversion therapy used by the state to condition Alex against violence and sexual impulses. He is strapped to a chair, eyes held open, and forced to watch disturbing footage while given drugs that induce nausea — stripping him of free will in the name of social order.
What is the age rating for A Clockwork Orange?
A Clockwork Orange is rated NC-17 in the United States, meaning no one under 17 is admitted. The film contains graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault, and disturbing psychological content. It was originally released with an X rating in 1971 before being reclassified under the NC-17 designation.
Did A Clockwork Orange win any major awards?
A Clockwork Orange received four Academy Award nominations in 1972, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Despite winning none, it is consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made and was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry in 2020.
What genre is A Clockwork Orange?
A Clockwork Orange is primarily classified as a Sci-Fi and Crime film, but it also functions as a dark satire, psychological thriller, and dystopian drama. Kubrick blends black comedy with visceral violence and philosophical inquiry, making the film difficult to confine to any single genre category.
More About A Clockwork Orange
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