MovieChat Forums > Control (2005) Discussion > A better resolution and message than 'Cl...

A better resolution and message than 'Clockwork'.

posted 17 years ago by bambo2
10 replies | jump to latest

Clockwork Orange's message after the end of it's film was that all humans had this naturally "dark and beastily" side to them that can never be contained by scientific intervention. Basically, a person cannot change his or her inner nature and that humans cannot avoid the inevitable fate by having their inner demons removed. It was an entirely pessimistic point of view of how the human psyche is, but with "Control", it's different.

"Control" shows us that humans can change themselves. It's more optimistic and tries to let the viewers see that if a person is willing to, he or she can change their life and become morally good if they apply themselves. Some people may say that it's a load of crap when referring to how Ray Liotta's character and how he so easily "turned good" by his own will, but that's one of the great things about this film. It shows that if human beings have inner demons, why can't we also have a natural side of good within our hearts? It was nice to see that even the most tainted of individuals can change and find their way towards a path of righteousness. This is the message I interpreted from watching this film.

[–] rogerscorpion 16 years ago

A Clockwork Orange was a black comedy, too--a brilliant satire.

Carpe Noctem

[–] nandomaron 15 years ago

I felt the same way. i prefered this one than Clockwork.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] rogerscorpion 15 years ago

Apples & oranges.
Clockwork was a C O M E D Y!
Carpe Noctem

[–] programmergomez 15 years ago

Read the Clockwork Orange book. The director left out the last chapter of the book because it made the film darker. Control completely ripped off A Clockwork Orange. And they didn't do anything special with the film to make it less blatant.

[–] cptnspoon19 14 years ago

I know this post is coming over a year too late for the poster to read it, but you're wrong about the intent with the ending of A Clockwork Orange. Kubrick didn't know there was a 21st chapter in Burgess' novel because the American printing left it out. His screenplay was adapted off the American version, not the British version so thus the film ended on a down note. It had nothing to do with making it darker. I think he would've made the final chapter if he had known it existed, because it really ties things up better (and ends happily).

The question mark was emphasized.

[–] dreamonforever1 13 years ago

i too agree that you can't compare "control" and "a clockwork orange."

two entirely different experiences (with entirely different kinds of characters)all the way 'round...
not to mention the disparity in the level of quality between the two ("clockwork" is a modern sci-fi classic) - and this is coming from somebody who likes "control."

i have read "clockwork" (the american version), and - amongst all the other differences between the two films - it was intended for a completely different kind of audience!

the "message" (the o.p.'s word), though, about science and (human) nature makes for a very interesting contrast. i just think that the makers of "control" had a much different idea about how that message should be delivered.

gregory 51211.

[–] meddled 11 years ago

This post is coming two and a half years late in reply to cptnspoon19, but you're wrong about Kubrick not knowing about the final chapter. In the new documentary included in the blu-ray Clockwork Orange set, it is noted that Anthony Burgess never forgave Kubrick for omitting the last chapter. While Kubrick may have read the American version first (though considering he was living in England by this point, it's hard to imagine), he was certainly aware of the final chapter in the British version because Burgess was consulted on the film.

Kubrick made a very deliberate decision NOT to include the final chapter so that he could end the movie on a down note. Burgess felt betrayed, and I, for one, side with Burgess on this. Kubrick should've included the final chapter because it really summarizes the main theme Burgess was after when he wrote the novel.

[–] Tabbycat (748) 3 years ago

That is NOT the message of A Clockwork Orange.

Author Anthony Burgess has said that the point was that even if you could make criminals stop their antisocial behavior using science it wouldn’t be worth the loss of free choice.

I saw similarities between the movies but found this one preposterous while Clockwork is quite plausible.

[–] SandyR (7355) 2 years ago

That was NOT the message of A Clockwork Orange.

Control was an interesting movie, but let's not get carried away. It (and most movies like it) will never come close to the brilliance of A Clockwork Orange.