A Clockwork Orange Opening Analysis - Matthew Stone

A Clockwork Orange Opening Analysis

The first few seconds of the opening of A Clockwork Orange is a red screen. This portrays danger and because it is the only thing on the screen it suggests that the danger is prominent. The music accompanying the red screen is slow and foreboding which ties in with the element of danger and adds a sense of fear as to what could happen next, which is similar to how the main character is unpredictable and dangerous. The font of the title is white, bold and very candid, which can also be said for Alex DeLarge as he does the things he does for his love of “ultra-violence” and not for any other hidden reasons. After the title the screen goes to a close-up of the main characters face looking menacingly into the camera. The close up unnerves the audience and makes it feel like Alex is looking right at you, creating an intense atmosphere. As the camera zooms out the setting is very surreal and confusing linking to the surreal nature of the film and establishing mystery. The black and white colouring of the room can be interpreted as representing the black and white stance on morality of the main character in this stage of the film. The slow and calm voice over from Alex DeLarge accompanied with the images of the milk bar shows Alex’s disturbed and psychotic nature because of the way he acts like he is in a normal place and how he talks about getting ready for some “ultra violence”. The extreme close up of Alex also shows his disturbed nature because of his heavy breathing and menacing stare into the camera.