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?
Direction
Kubrick's clinical precision makes violence feel like a museum exhibit.
Cinematography
Grotesque beauty in every wide-angle distortion.
Acting
McDowell's magnetic, terrifying charisma — Kubrick broke his ribs filming.
Director
Stanley Kubrick
Malcolm McDowell
Alex
Patrick Magee
Mr. Alexander
Carl Duering
Dr. Brodsky
Michael Bates
Chief Guard
Warren Clarke
Dim
James Marcus
Georgie
Michael Tarn
Pete
Miriam Karlin
Catlady
Adrienne Corri
Mrs. Alexander
Sheila Raynor
Mum
Philip Stone
Dad
Aubrey Morris
Deltoid
Clive Francis
Lodger
John Clive
Stage Actor
Paul Farrell
Tramp
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
McDowell's cornea was scratched during the forced-eye-opening scene; he temporarily lost vision. Kubrick kept filming.
The film was withdrawn from UK release by Kubrick himself in 1973 after death threats to his family, remaining banned there until his death in 1999.
US
