Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange Turns 50

Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, based on Anthony Burgess's novel, premiered 50 years ago. The film stars Malcolm McDowell as Alex, a violent delinquent subjected to the Ludovico technique. Kubrick personally rewrote Terry Southern's screenplay after acquiring the project. The director initially sought Ennio Morricone for the score, but Sergio Leone blocked the collaboration. Walter Carlos (later Wendy Carlos) composed the electronic soundtrack using a Moog synthesizer. The film received four Oscar nominations and seven BAFTA nominations, winning none. Kubrick withdrew the film from UK distribution from 1973 to 2000, making it a cult classic. A new Blu-ray release in the UK includes an extended interview with McDowell. The film's iconic scene featuring "Singin' in the Rain" was McDowell's improvisation. Kubrick destroyed unused footage from a four-hour first cut.