Clockwork Orange has style, but then what?

Okay, so here's the first review I'm making in my new series of reviews: "Not Buying the Hype." With these reviews, I intend to talk about movies that have received lots of attention and are significant parts of the culture of cinema, but which I really don't see the reason for.

And for my first pick, I'm talking about Stanley Kubrick's 1971 film, "A Clockwork Orange."

(I know that, considering the setup, this series will be me bucking the trend and speaking ill of movies that others seem to like, but it's all subjective opinion anyway.)

Regarding this movie, I just have to ask: What's the big deal?

The movie follows Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a teen ruffian in future Brittain. He and his gang--his 'droogs' as the slang goes--love to ride around town in their dance belts, drinking milk and raising all kinds of h-e-double-hockey-sticks-hell. They invade homes and molest innocent citizens. You know, typical angsty teen stuff. After one of these outings goes horribly horribly wrong, Alex is sent to prison. While there, he undergoes a specialized therapy to condition him against debauchery.

I will admit that this one has some iconic images, particularly the scene of Malcolm McDowell strapped down during the Ludovico treatment. That setup has been alluded to in several movies, like Next where we see Nicolas Cage forced to watch TV news in the same way.

Now, considering the way the news is going, that may be the only way they'll be able to keep everyone's interest, but still, it's a bit much.

But, seriously. What's the big deal?

If this movie were directed by anyone other than Kubrick, and if it didn't have copious amounts of unnecessary nudity, I honestly can't say this one would have turned anyone's head.

It's competently made, to be sure. Kubrick is a genius at what he does. But I really don't see what everyone sees in this one.

Now, I say "everyone" despite the fact that, at this point, pretty much the only ones still talking about it are the real fans. Those who didn't like it or who haven't seen it tend to keep their mouths shut about it.

I will admit that it's influential and there are iconic scenes. But for the life of me, I can't understand why.

Just not buying the hype. But if you do enjoy it, then go on and enjoy it.

Personally, I give this one 4 / 10.

A Clockwork Orange contains a fair amount of violence and language, but most of the rating comes from copious nudity and the implied nature of some of the violence.