Friday, May 2, 2008

"A bit of the old Ultraviolence"



There has always been one movie that I have been very intrigued by.  I had heard things about it, that it was very disturbing, and dealt with violence.  I have always put off seeing it for one reason or another.  Maybe because I wanted what I perceived as more lighthearted.  Or maybe I knew that there was this one scene where they hold a guys eyelids open and force him to watch terrible things.  Just the thought of that alone, that kind of torture, put me off.  
But I knew that it was directed by probably the greatest director of all time Stanley Kubrick.  And no matter how disturbing it may be I knew that it had to be good.  So I finally watched it, remastered in full HD of course...It wasn't quite as disturbing as I thought it may be.  It deals with a group of young british hooligans, who enjoy beating up homeless people and raping women.  Not exactly lighthearted fare.  But did it have a point?  Was it good? Meaningful?  Yes.  It was absolutely brilliant.  Kubrick gives us iconic images once again, there are so many modern movies that copy directional techniques from this film.  And once again this movie leaves you in a thought provoking mood, and it is a movie that you have to see again.  Each frame is like a moving portrait, because the director is a genius.  

So "A Clockwork Orange" is not for everyone.  But for me, I am glad I finally saw it.  And now it's time for "A bit of the old Ludwig Van"

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gar,

I'm going to play Roeper to your Ebert. This is one of the most psychologically disturbing movies I have ever seen. Even more so than The Shining, because it deals with the reality and brutality of man, not just someone going mad. Kubrick may be unique, and he may have been ahead of his time in someways of directing, but this movie is just wacked out. Seeing it once is seeing it one too many times. I for one think there are better ways to spend a couple hours. I give it a thumbs down.

Unknown said...

This is interesting. Mark and Gar arguing, I am going to flip an coin and agree with....

Unknown said...

... Mark!

Grandma Dee said...

Gotta love you guys, Brett and Mark. I am so blown away by your honesty and insight. I am sorry to sat that I never saw "A Clockwork Orange" but will but it on my Blockbuster list of DVDs to rent. Then, I too, can offer my opinion. So awesome to see all of you exchange ideas. Not to mention the fact that I respect each and every one of your opinions. What a blessing from God that you have remained true and faithful friends.
Love, Grandma Dee (Denise)