---
title: "A Clockwork Orange"
year: 1971
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/a-clockwork-orange-1971"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 185
imdb_id: "tt0066921"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 137
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 13925
content_rating: "NC-17"
---

# A Clockwork Orange (1971) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/a-clockwork-orange-1971

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 film set in a near-future version of Britain. The narrative follows a young man named Alexander DeLarge who spends his time committing violent acts against others alongside his group of friends. When he is not engaging in criminal behavior, Alex enjoys listening to the music of Beethoven. As the state seeks to address rising levels of juvenile crime, Alex is eventually incarcerated. While in prison, he is presented with the option to participate in an invasive medical procedure designed to reform his behavior. This treatment aims to eliminate his capacity for personal agency, raising questions about the nature of conscience in a society where such traits are treated as commodities. The story ultimately examines whether Alex is capable of changing his ways after undergoing this state-mandated process. This film explores themes of morality, state control, and individual choice within a dystopian setting, focusing on the transformation of a protagonist who previously lived without regard for the lives of others.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A delinquent in a dystopian future faces a radical state-mandated procedure to curb his violent impulses."

### Why Watch
- striking visual style
- thought-provoking moral questions

### Caveats & Content Note
- contains graphic violence
- disturbing subject matter
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains intense depictions of violence and sexual assault that may be disturbing to some viewers.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dystopian, disturbing, stylized, provocative

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go, Now TV Cinema | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Hollywood Suite, Hollywood Suite Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Stanley Kubrick
- **Networks / Studios**: Polaris Productions Limited, Warner Bros. Pictures, Hawk Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Malcolm McDowell** as *Alex*
- **Patrick Magee** as *Mr. Alexander*
- **Carl Duering** as *Dr. Brodsky*
- **Michael Bates** as *Chief Guard*
- **Warren Clarke** as *Dim*
- **James Marcus** as *Georgie*
- **Michael Tarn** as *Pete*
- **Miriam Karlin** as *Catlady*
- **Adrienne Corri** as *Mrs. Alexander*
- **Sheila Raynor** as *Mum*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the setting of the film?
The story takes place in a near-future version of Britain.

### Q: Who is the protagonist?
The main character is a young man named Alexander DeLarge.

### Q: What is the central conflict?
The state offers an incarcerated man a choice between remaining in prison or undergoing an invasive procedure to eliminate his violent tendencies.

### Q: What does the protagonist enjoy?
Alexander DeLarge is shown to have a particular appreciation for the music of Beethoven.

### Q: What is the film's primary theme?
The film explores the complexities of personal agency and conscience in a society attempting to control crime.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*