Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

Home | All Reviews | Festival Courses | Film and Media Studies | SBCC | | Log in

1. Kris Mendes 02.16.12 / 1am

   “sex drugs corruption and violence”?? how can I say no to this movie! LMAO. Thanks for a very thorough summary of the movie- your review gives a good insight as to the plot of Clockwork.
2. Brittlyn Ross 02.24.12 / 11am

   When i watched A Clockwork Orange myself, I viewed the film a little differently although I thought the review was well written. Through out the film an eerie feeling lingered with me. I agree with the way the movie was overall, but i still feel as though there is a deeper hidden meaning to it. the way the movie was filmed is far from average. it is somewhat slow to start and leaves you guessing what is happening and why these “gang members” have such awful intentions to innocent citizens. I think that this film’s focus is on the main character Alex and in a sense the entire movie is alex’s therapy. they try and “fix” him per say. by making him hold certain morals. he was forced to be sorry for the rape rather than learning on his own to be sorry for his actions. What intrigued me the most about this whole film was the title. A Clockwork Orange. where did this come from? i researched a little bit and the title came from an expression meaning : “anything queer” without even a sexual connection attached to the meaning. (when you think more about it it really starts to make sense) i believe the word queer in this sentence means something out of the ordinary, not accepted, or even strange.
3. Jose De Anda 02.24.12 / 1pm

   I like how you mentioned gang members. This term has been as loosely termed as more than two people hanging out. Very dangerous and vague term for a legal enhancer that carries heavy prison and jail prolongations, which in term enhances the prison industrial complex. This film in my interpretation is all about the reformation system and how so called criminals, which by legal definition is only someone how has been convicted by a crime, are victimized also. You have to love how money taints all, or hate I guess. Great comment.
4. Justin Lara 03.03.12 / 5pm

   A Clockwork Orange is most definitely in a category by itself. I don’t agree however that it is only for a certain kind of viewer. I believe the movie can be enjoyed by anybody viewing it with an opened mind. The film is amazing and uses many different filming techniques and scene sequences. I really like its feel and it kind makes it seem as if it were filmed in a really old future however odd that may sound. I really like how at first we see Alex has a psycho delinquent criminal who has no feelings or fear but then we see fear in him when he goes to jail and the “normalish” side of him is shown. this movie is for people looking to be challenged and see something out of the ordinary which doesn’t follow the usual standard.
5. Ford Timberlake 03.11.12 / 8pm

   Great review Natanya! I haven’t gotten around to seeing Clockwork Orange, but that’ll have to change soon. After reading your analysis of the movie, it seems like quite an intense movie filled with plenty of drama and action.
6. Samantha Marmion 03.13.12 / 9pm

   Clockwork Orange is very strange film to say the least. Stanley Kubrick did a great job creating these weird aspects that include sex, drugs, and violence. I agree with you when you say that parts of this film were hard to watch. It was almost uncomfortable for me to sit there and see what was going on. I thought it was interesting how Beethoven was such a huge part of this film. Not only did Alex have a poster of him in his wall, but the constant playing of his music added so much to the film and gave it a reocurring theme for the audience to follow.
7. Maxwell OKieffe 03.14.12 / 12am

   You had me at sex, drugs, corruption, and violence. This film was a wild ride of crude and disturbing scenes. I really liked your analogy of the group as a circus, with Alex as the ring leader. You don’t mention much about how his “clowns” treat him after he is released from prison. I saw that as an important aspect of the storyline. This really is a great movie with the idea of aversion therapy. It has the audience asking “what if?” I must agree that this is a very unique film that leaves you feeling uncomfortable at times, however, that is what makes for such a thrilling plot. I highly recommend this film.
8. Jackson Case-Barnes 03.14.12 / 9am

   I could not agree with you more about how this movie has a specific audience because before seeing this movie I heard so many mixed reviews. If one can tolerate or get passed the violence then they can appreciate the greatness of this film. For me, the violence and rape scenes were so intriguing because of the light and funny feng shui Alex puts on the situation. (ex. Alex Singing “singin’ in the rain” while raping that woman)
9. Jordan Malinoff 03.15.12 / 8pm

   Although I haven’t seen Clockwork Orange, I have only heard good things about it. I have actually never watched a Stanley Kubrick film and reading your analysis makes me want to watch his films. I feel that your review and analysis has made Kubricks directorial skills and Clockwork Orange more clear without me even watching it. I have heard what the film is mainly about and your analysis has made the films overall story line much more clear and right to the point. Even though this film displays violence and crude behavior, people like watching excessive and non- Hollywood style films. This film seems very non-linear and all over the place, but your analysis has simplified the main points and I cant wait to finally watch it.
10. AlexChristensen 03.16.12 / 2pm

    This is a really good movie, it is a hard movie that keeps you interested the whole time. You are exactly right when you say the close ups and dramatic music keep you focussed, and make you feel like you are there. This film is definitely weird like you said, but the weirdness is what makes you want to keep wanting more and more. When Alex goes through the treatment you almost feel bad for him, but at the same time what he was doing before makes you think it is right. I totally agree with if you can’t handle violence do not watch this movie.
11. Sydney Eaton 03.16.12 / 8pm

    Being someone who has never seen this particular film, I found this review very intriguing. I have always been interested in this movie but I never knew what it was about. This review paints this movie as a seriously disturbing story. Now some people are very into those types of films so that is not necessarily a bad thing. I like the way this review didn’t spoil and endings, but gave clear clues about where the film was headed. I appreciated the way the review warned its readers about the violence and uncomfortable themes of this movie. It made me very curious about the film, which means it did its job.
12. Pat Cavalier 03.16.12 / 8pm

    I’ve heard many things about the film Clockwork Orange. A few friends of mine have seen it and they said they really enjoyed it. One of my friends who watched it and liked it is a huge movie buff so I’m not sure how subjective his opinion was. From what the review entailed, the movie sounded quite graphic and violent. For the most part I don’t enjoy watching scenes that make me feel uncomfortable. However, because my friends said they like it maybe I’ll give it a chance and go see it. Sometimes the best films contain material that is unusual- stirring up the viewers emotions for a unique experience.
13. Reyes Munoz 03.16.12 / 10pm

    Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) is a perfect example of the types of radical movements that were taking place in both the film industry and in society during the 1960s and 1970s. For example, the film’s controversial content of sex and violence earned it an “X” rating and went on to become one of only two films in cinema history to ever be considered for the Best Picture award, the other being Midnight Cowboy (1969) which actually won. While its futuristic-dystopian setting and themes of psychological brainwashing and social conditioning mimic those found in 1984, Brave New World, and Fahrenheit 451, A Clockwork Orange still managed to set itself apart both literally and cinematically as it earned a cult-status over the years.
14. Brinkley Johnson 03.16.12 / 10pm

    Natanya, I couldn’t agree with you more. This film is well made and very intriguing. Although, it’s so weird, creepy and violent that a lot of people probably wouldn’t like it. Let’s just say this film isn’t very appealing unless you’re a film student or interested in this kind of thing. I love how you reviewed the film in a summary sort of structure, it helps the reader to better understand what you’re saying considering this film is already complicated as is. I want to know more information behind this film seeming that whoever created this is probably a little nuts. I could watch this film over and over again and learn something new every time. I definitely like how you talked about his craziness in your review. Great job!
15. YuXing Lu 03.24.12 / 12am

    I am attracted by the name for this film. Although I have never watched this film, I heard that this film has won so many awards before. In the film, there are many violent scenes which show the social ideology. Do we have real freedom in current society? We can consider about this question while watching it. This film is based on the novel written by Anthony Burgess. Someone tells me that the novel may not be the best, but the film is the best. Almost everyone highly recommends it. Therefore, I would like to watch it sometime in the future.
16. Meghan Spray 04.13.12 / 2pm

    A great review! I like your plot summary and really wonder what happens after they release the main character back into society. I have seen parts of this movie before, and agree when you say there is no other film like it and is really hard to relate to another film. I also enjoyed how your review included comments on how the editing revolved around the plot as well. It seems like the eccentric characters and colors in this film fit perfectly with dramatic and close-up camera angles. After reading your review I would like to watch the film the whole way through and get another perspective, as it is most definitely a strange film!
17. Micaela Cotter 07.06.12 / 8pm

    This was a really well thought out review and I enjoyed reading it considering I just viewed this film as well. I agree with your views that you gained by watching Clockwork Orange, it is very violent and somewhat of a disturbing movie, which all in all made it a great intriguing film to watch. I really liked the part when you spoke about how the editing of the film revolved around the plot per say, I would never have really thought of it like that. You definitely opened a new door for me to watch closer attention to while watching films. Well done!
18. Sophia DeNicola 07.07.12 / 2pm

    Though I find it difficult to sit through many of the more violent scenes of A Clockwork Orange (1971), I also found it an extremely interesting creation for this time period. The glory of the 60’s and the ideals it once held were crumbling leading into an era of more hard drug abuse and harsher culture. I thought Kubrick’s use of intense music and close up shots seemed to help capture this growing sense of hostility and almost “punk” attitude. Though this film was based in a future society and used a lot of strange settings, I can’t help but think it was more of a reflection of the loss of the utopia dreamed up by the 60’s generation and an exaggerated reaction to the loss of idealistic morals.
19. Mariela Villa 09.17.12 / 6pm

    Psychotic and unmerciful is how Alex, the main character of this film comes off as to me. The review did an excellent job on explaining the dynamics of the character and his role as a leader. The reviewer did express a bit of confusion on certain part of the film, which will make me pay much closer attention to the movie when I get a chance to watch it. The idea of this film being “weird” and “creepy” is overemphasized, making these unimaginable events that take place in the film evermore enticing. The surprising ending that is talked about seems to be very unpredictable, which is what I enjoy most in movies, and the review does well in not telling it, but explaining the events leading up to it.
20. Aleksandar Miljkovic 01.28.13 / 10am

    Clockwork Orange is a legend, and im glad you can see that. Kubrick shows the cruelty, lust and anger man can carry. This is a great film to watch with your friends, or alone. If you are like me, and really enjoy creepy films with messed up plot twists and cruelty, and have a tendency to yell random sounds squirm and scream; if you just love being weird, enjoy this original masterpiece.
21. Mallarie Stevens 07.05.13 / 1pm

    “The dramatic music and close up camera shots really make the audience get the feeling of the scene.”

    This is a great point. I think it even goes a step further: the music and close-ups of Alex, plus shots of his point of view really give the audience of sense of his world and his way of thinking, twisted though it may be. While he is committing his atrocious acts of rape and violence, particularly at the beginning of the film, we have light, cheery music, giving us a glimpse of the joy Alex is feeling. Driving this point home is Alex’s happy rendition of “Singing in the Rain” at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander.

    I also love your point of comparing Alex and his gang to a circus. With the futuristic costumes and make-up, it is certainly reminiscent of the “creepy clown” façade and makes me wonder if the premise of the Saw movie franchise is derived from Kubrick – another creepy, violent film that may be difficult for some to watch.
22. David Wright 10.18.13 / 11pm

    I really liked your point about the music for this film and how it captured Alex’s shenanigans as an art form of sorts. The colors and modern yet bizarre furniture really gave this movie the proper feeling for one to allow such deviant acts to occur without getting to squeamish or repulsed by the visuals. I personally loved what happened to Alex after he received the treatment and was thrown back onto the streets to just deal with a violent society around him. I believe its a great metaphor for the inability of recently released inmates to adjust to an ever changing society, but at the same time having to live with their past. Very much enjoyed both this film and your review of A Clockwork Orange.
23. Daniel Castro 07.05.14 / 10pm

    There is so much to say about Alex as a character that it’s difficult to fit all of it into one review. Not only is his character incredibly dynamic to begin with, but the changes he undergoes during the film makes his character that much more interesting. Alex is an interesting commentary on the sick and twisted. He takes pleasure out of rape, murder, and violence. Although his reconditioning somewhat changes this about him, there is still the innate urge in him to destroy. It’s makes Alex’s character so polarizing from one end of the film to the other.
24. Andrew LeBaron 06.15.18 / 11pm

    When I first watched this film, I was completely confused by the dystopian reality that it was set in. After watching it recently I was able to understand the plot. I loved how you described the gang as a circus with Alex as its ring leader. There is honestly not a more fitting description as the ridiculous and lewd acts that they get into at the beginning of the film are extra wacky. The rest of your description of Alex was also very intriguing. Overall I really enjoyed reading your review and it was interesting to see someone else’s take on this interesting film.
25. Carlos Iniguez 07.21.18 / 11pm

    Although after the first sitting I found myself a bit underwhelmed, I have to say that upon further evaluation of the films content I can truly appreciate why this film is known to be a classic. The reviewer makes excellent note of Alex’s development throughout the film which is crucial to appreciating the film in its entirety. It wasn’t until I considered all the small factors such as that and the extravagant settings that I began to truly appreciate the film. Kubrick does a great job when dealing with dark themes whether they be thought provoking such as in 2001: A Space Odyssey, or more violent and literal, evident in this film. What I found most interesting about this film was when Alex sang the the lyrics of Singing in the Rain, a calming song during times of heightened violence. The reviewer is correct to label this film as ‘weird’ and meant for a certain audiences in which I consider to be thrill seekers and people who can appreciate boundaries being crossed.
26. Edo Barel 10.19.19 / 12am

    This is a very interesting film. I think it’s a very difficult film and tackles many difficult issues. I totally agree with the review in saying that this is not for people who don’t like violence. The film has quite a bit of “ultraviolence”. The “Singin’ in the Rain” scene was insane considering it was improvised. The themes and deisgn, as well as props show a very futuristic world, but one that seems almost plausible. I understand why you said that this film is “weird”, but I think that depends as to what someone considers to be weird. Good review.
27. Shayne Harvey 03.26.21 / 4pm

    I really enjoyed the sets for this movie. It reminded me a lot of a 60/70’s hippy vibe with the bright colors meeting the rough edge of the 80’s. I will say that I found the movie very interesting in the fact that they played up the terror of ones own mindset and also, weirdly, how when you go through life in your own way, there are consequences, but when he had his mindset altered and played the game of life the way society wanted him to, it came back and kinda kicked him down a bit. It was definitely a different kind of horror movie for it’s time when it came out. I would consider this movie to be more of an artistic movie rather than a blockbuster in any sort.
28. Kadin Khalighi 03.17.23 / 6pm

    I love this movie and I think you described it perfectly. I recently just saw this movie because I had to watch it for my class and I instantly fell in love. I’m glad you said in the interview that the gang drinks some kind of drug milk because that was the one thing I was confused about. I thought it was just normal milk. The way you broke down the theme to be corruption is also very interesting because I never thought of it like that. The dystopian, futuristic world that the film takes place in is very corrupt. You were also right when you said this film cant be compared any other films because its so unique. I love how this film has made its own vibe and feel with unique sets and furniture.

Home | SBCC | Class Schedule | Film and Media Studies

Contact: Prof. Nico MaestuCopyright 2007-23 Log in